Prompt Cast
The Challenges and Complexities of Changing Your Identity in the United States
TLDR Changing your identity in the United States can be a complex and costly process, requiring a judge's ruling and overcoming objections. Technology has made it even more difficult to completely erase your identity, as computer records create a paper trail that can be difficult to unlink from your new identity.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
A judge in New Zealand made a nine-year-old girl a temporary ward of the court so she could legally change her extremely long and socially handicapping name.
02:14
There is no way to completely erase your identity in the United States without the government doing it for you.
04:24
Technology has made it difficult to completely erase your identity, as computer records make it challenging to unlink your former identity from your new one.
06:31
Changing your social security number or name can be done for various reasons, but the process and cost depend on the state you live in and a judge's ruling is required, unless there are objections.
08:29
Changing your identity can be a complex process, and there have been cases of people changing their names for various reasons, including objections from others and to escape prosecution for crimes.
10:48
The rise in identity theft has made it more difficult for people to change their identity due to the paper trail left behind by computers.
13:04
The hosts briefly discuss an article about albinism and mention that you can find more interesting articles on HowStuffWorks.com.
Categories:
Society & Culture
