by 
The Curious Bag
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Your social security number was never meant to be the ultimate identification of an individual. However, it has become just that. With the increase in identity theft, people are reluctant to give out this number. Fortunately, there is a reason why cable providers ask for it.
Significance
The social security number is the best way to properly identify the subscriber. It is also used to track the person's account.
History
Social security numbers were assigned as a way to track each American's social security retirement funds that were paid in over one's lifetime. That was their sole purpose when the first SSN cards were issued in 1936.
Credit Checks
Cable providers may also use your SSN to check your credit before opening an account.
Prevention/Solution
You can opt out of giving your SSN to the cable provider. Ask to use your driver's license or another form of identification. You may need to go through some hurdles, but the company is obligated to oblige this request.
Privacy
The cable provider cannot sell any of your information to a third party without your consent. When opening an account, be sure to check the box or sign the line that maintains this level of privacy.
Source:
Time Warner Cable: subscriber Privacy Notice
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