Policy Brief: SafeStart – The “M” Designator for Minors’ Social Security Numbers

Executive Summary

This policy brief proposes the implementation of an “M” designator for Social Security numbers of individuals under 18 years old. This system aims to enhance online and offline safety for minors, streamline age verification processes, and reduce instances of child identity theft. Key features include automatic application at birth, removal at age 18, and universal recognition across various sectors. The proposed solution addresses current gaps in minor protection systems and offers a standardized framework for age-related restrictions.

Problem Statement

Current systems lack a uniform method to distinguish minors from adults, creating challenges in enforcing age-appropriate restrictions. This gap compromises the ability of parents, guardians, and service providers to effectively shield minors from potential harm in both online and offline spaces.

Supporting Evidence

• In 2023, Javelin Strategy & Research reported that traditional identity fraud losses amounted to $20 billion, a 15% decrease from the previous year. However, child identity theft remains a persistent issue, with minors’ personal information increasingly targeted in data breaches.
• According to Javelin’s 2023 Child Identity Fraud Report, identity fraud related to children caused nearly $918 million in losses, affecting approximately 1 in 50 children.
• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handled 1.4 million fraud reports in 2022, with identity theft being a leading category.
• Child identity fraud remains particularly dangerous, as minors’ personal information can be used for years without detection, often surfacing when these individuals apply for credit or financial services later in life.

International Context

While several countries have implemented measures to protect minors’ identities, none offer the comprehensive protection of the proposed “M” Designator:

• Canada and Australia: Offer financial protections but lack broader applications.
• South Korea: Uses a Resident Registration Number, but faces privacy concerns.
• India: Implements the Aadhaar system, which isn’t tailored for child-specific protections.
• United Kingdom: Has a “Young Person’s Flag” limited to financial services.
• Norway: Uses a national ID system that includes age but lacks child-specific focus.

Proposed Solution:

The “M” Designator

The “M” designator would be affixed to the Social Security numbers of individuals under the age of 18, serving as a universal identifier to facilitate age verification across platforms and services.

 

Key Features

• Automatic application to Social Security numbers at birth.
• Automatic removal when the individual turns 18.
• Universal recognition by digital and physical service providers for age verification.

Benefits to Families

• Enhanced Protection: Reduced risk of child identity theft and fraudulent use of minors’ personal information.
• Simplified Age Verification: Easier process for parents to prove their child’s age for various services and restrictions.
• Increased Peace of Mind: Greater assurance that online and offline environments will respect age-appropriate boundaries.
• Improved Digital Literacy: Opportunity for families to engage in conversations about online safety and identity protection.

Benefits to Platforms

• Streamlined Compliance: Simplified process for adhering to age-related regulations and restrictions.
• Reduced Liability: Lower risk of inadvertently providing inappropriate content or services to minors.
• Enhanced User Trust: Demonstration of commitment to protecting minors, potentially increasing user confidence and engagement.
• Improved Ad Targeting: More accurate age verification allowing for better-tailored content and advertising.

Benefits to Government

• Standardized Protection: A uniform system for identifying and protecting minors across various sectors.
• Reduced Fraud: Potential decrease in child identity theft cases, alleviating strain on law enforcement and consumer protection agencies.
• Simplified Enforcement: Easier implementation and enforcement of age-related laws and regulations.
• Economic Impact: Potential savings in fraud prevention and resolution costs for both public and private sectors.

Scope of Use

The “M” designator would be applicable in various contexts, including but not limited to:

• Financial transactions and credit applications
• Online service registrations
• E-commerce platforms
• Social media and content streaming services
• Healthcare services

Implementation Plan

1. Legislative Action (Months 1-6): Draft and introduce legislation mandating the “M” designator system. Define penalties for misuse or negligence in recognizing the marker.
2. System Integration (Months 7-18): Collaborate with the Social Security Administration to integrate the “M” designator.
3. Awareness Campaign (Months 13-24): Launch a public education initiative. Provide training for service providers.
4. Phased Rollout (Months 19-36): Begin with newly issued Social Security numbers. Gradually incorporate existing minors’ numbers.

Potential Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• Privacy Concerns: Implement robust data protection measures and transparent usage policies.
• Technical Integration: Provide comprehensive guidelines and support for platforms adopting the system.
• Public Acceptance: Conduct thorough public education campaigns to explain benefits and address concerns.
• International Compatibility: Engage in diplomatic efforts to promote similar systems in other countries.
• Conclusion
• The “M” designator presents a straightforward yet powerful solution to enhance the protection of minors in an increasingly digital world. By integrating this marker into the Social Security system, we can create a safer online and offline environment for children while easing the burden on parents, platforms, and government agencies. Legislative and systemic support, combined with a robust awareness campaign, will be key to the successful implementation of this initiative.