NGERULMUD, Palau – A bill introduced in the House of Delegates aims to eliminate the use of Social Security numbers as identification on national ID cards and driver’s licenses.
House Bill 12-7-1 would prohibit the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) from requiring citizens to disclose their Social Security numbers when applying for identification documents. Instead, the bill mandates that MOJ establish a new numerical identification system separate from Social Security numbers. Citizens would still have the option to provide their Social Security number voluntarily.
The proposed legislation is intended to protect Palauan citizens from identity theft and fraud. The proposal is said to align with the House of Delegates’ legislative agenda, prioritizing cybersecurity and other national concerns, as adopted on the 25th day of the first regular session. (By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang)