Although the information technology used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) is meant to be a way of serving the public, it also tracks millions of Americans as it gathers data and statistics.
Most Americans are not aware of how the SSA information technology probes into their lives. By January 2011, the 22 internet-based electronic services had processed 15 million personalized online transactions that included 41 percent of retirement claims and 33 percent disability claims. According to the House Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on SSA these services depend upon a complex information technology system and there are 80,000 employees with access to:
Data bases
Software applications
Computer platforms
Networked computers, printers, phone and other devices
This means that thousands of people can track such items as an individual’s gross income, ownership of property, workplace, investments, stock dividends, and saving accounts. Source: