from http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/ht...8----000-.html


TITLE 42 > CHAPTER 7 > SUBCHAPTER II > § 408 PENALTIES

(a) In general
Whoever—
(8) discloses, uses, or compels the disclosure of the social security number of any person in violation of the laws of the United States;
shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction thereof shall be fined under title 18 or imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.


What is meant by "in violation of the laws of the United States"? Does it mean if there is no requirement to provide a ssn in a particular statute then someone compelling you to give a ssn is in violation?

Sorry for the stupid question but the wording of that code has me a bit puzzled as to the intent.