On Social Security numbers

I found this little gem today: The Social Security Number FAQ.

Among other things, it tells you what rights you have under The Privacy Act of 1974 when a goverment organization requests your SSN. For example, they must tell you these four things:

1: The authority (whether granted by statute, or by executive order of
the President) which authorizes the solicitation of the information and 
whether disclosure of such information is mandatory or voluntary;

2: The principal purposes for which the information is intended to be used;

3: The routine uses which may be made of the information, as published 
   annually in the Federal Register, and

4: The effects on you, if any, of not providing all or any part of the 
   requested information.

The act also "makes it illegal for Federal, state, and local government agencies to deny any rights, privileges or benefits to individuals who refuse to provide their SSNs unless the disclosure is required by Federal statute". That's very nice to know.

The FAQ also goes into detail on things you can do to keep from giving your SSN to a business or employer that might request it. The whole FAQ is only about 10-15 pages, and I found it to be a very informative read.

SomethingAwful forums contribute to Murder/Suicide

http://forums.somethingawful.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1711278

Posted by cargoweasel, reposted here since some folks who this LJ don't read his.

Apparently, SA Forum users gave ammunition-related advice to a guy who later killed others, then himself. I'm not sure exactly how "responsible" SA is here, but it'll be interesting to see their reactions, and how this whole thing plays out.

Comments/discussion welcome, even from SA goons who read this LJ. (Just keep it civil)