Here’s my dream plan, which would take 5 years and probably less than $5B:
* We replace Social Secutity Numbers (which are like having a username with no password!) with disposable, single-use IDs of similar format, perhaps by adding letters so we have enough identifiers
* People could get a new number anytime from the Social Security Admin website or app, by calling a number, or by going to a post office
* Credit scores and credit info brokers are required to only have info you choose to share
The key thing here: if you are in charge of your new-style SSNs, you know which companies have which ones, and you could just give a freshly-generated SSN to (e.g.) a landlord. No history on that number? Not your problem. Experian/Equifax/TransUnion doesn’t have any data on that new SSN? Not your problem. Privacy is a human right!

@anildash

I am willing to go on this journey with you but wouldn't landlords just deny housing?

@CartyBoston @anildash so take the housing off the #landlords.

@simon_brooke @anildash

I hear you Simon.

@simon_brooke @anildash

bigger project perhaps, I am in.