Colorado to remove Social Security numbers from public Web sites
Colorado attorney general asks counties to remove documents containing Social Security numbers from public Web sites, saying that the “The availability of this information online increases the possibility of Colorado citizens becoming the victims of identity theft”
Colorado’s attorney general said earlier this week that several counties are potentially opening citizens up to identity theft by hosting documents with Social Security numbers on public Web sites. These documents include federal tax liens, financing statements, and other sensitive information. In a letter to county officials, Attorney General John Suthers said, “I would encourage your county to review its online document database and remove any documents that contain Social Security numbers. The availability of this information online increases the possibility of Colorado citizens becoming the victims of identity theft, and we are hearing from more and more citizens concerned about their financial security,” Suthers said.
Colorado law prohibits the posting of Social Security numbers online, but it does not apply that same ban to government entities. Suthers said his office will consider a “legislative fix for this issue.” “I have asked the Secretary of State’s Office to review its online database for sensitive documents as well,” Suthers said.
