What if you had to submit your Social Security number to read this or any other blog? Ridiculous, you say? You’re right.

But there plenty of businesses that demand Social Security numbers although there is no good reason for them to have it. And with the poor track record of so many companies to protect our information, giving up a Social Security number to every group that asks for increases the risk of identity theft.

The Federal Trade Commission today is holding its second day of hearings on the use of Social Security numbers by the private sector and how to restrict it.

A Consumers Union survey released at the hearing shows how common it is for businesses to demand the numbers. According to the 1,016 consumers surveyed, in the past year:

More than one-quarter were asked for a Social Security number from service providers like cable TV and cell phone carriers.

Forty-two percent were asked to give full or partial numbers over the phone or Internet to access services or verify their identity.

One in seven consumers got mail — not counting tax documents — that carried their Social Security number.

Sixty percent were asked for the number by a financial institution or a retailer issuing credit.

And about half received requests for their number from health care providers.

The next time a business asks for your Social Security number, don't give it up if you don't think there is a legitimate reason for the company to have it. Businesses may balk, or they might agree to accept some other form of identification.