Social Security Number Protection Act of 2006

H.R. 1078, the Social Security Number Protection Act of 2006, aims to prevent identity theft and fraud by restricting the commercial sale and purchase of Social Security numbers. The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create strict regulations that prohibit the trading of these numbers except in specific cases, such as for law enforcement, national security, public health, or with an individual's written consent.

For the average citizen, this legislation provides a layer of legal protection against the unauthorized distribution of their sensitive personal data. By establishing federal oversight and allowing for significant financial penalties and criminal prosecution against violators, the bill seeks to reduce the risk of financial crimes and emotional harm caused by the misuse of Social Security information.