A resolution regarding the use of universal identifiers was adopted by the ACM Council at its meeting November 14, 1974.  The resolution reads as follows:

Whereas:

1.  The existence of a universal identifier (UID) makes it possible to match and combine records about individuals;

2.  This matching, which is usually not economically or technically feasible with manual data processing methods, is relatively simple and inexpensive with the use of computerized data banks that are able to communicate with each other;

3.  In many circumstances this computerized matching simplifies technical problems and offers benefits both to individuals and to society;

4.  However, despite some current efforts, present safeguards (technical, organizational, and legislative) are inadequate to prevent unacceptable abuses of the right to personal privacy that the combination of an UID and the use of computers makes possible;

5.  The Social Security Number is rapidly becoming a de facto UID;

6.  Members of the ACM, being intimately aware of the scope of potential mis-use of computers, are concerned that this potential mis-use be prevented;

Therefore:

The Council of the ACM states its concern over the absence of legislative safeguards against the mis-use of universal identifiers, including the Social Security Number, and urges the prompt generation and passage of such legislation.