57 Million Ghosts in the System: US Social Security Discrepancy Raises Concerns

This anomaly has raised questions about the system's accuracy and potential fraudulent activities. Experts point to the outdated technology used by the system, which still relies on the COBOL language developed in 1959. This has led to frequent errors in data migration, resulting in lost or incorrect age information, and even the assignment of absurd birth years such as 1700.

The issue is further compounded by the fact that the US government has failed to pass a comprehensive audit for 26 consecutive years, despite legislation requiring federal agencies to undergo annual audits. The audit report for the 2023 fiscal year again expressed "inability to express an opinion" due to the lack of accurate financial data, particularly in the Department of Defense, where nearly half of the assets are unaccounted for.

The existence of over 20 million people listed as being over 100 years old, and 1.34 million people listed as being over 150 years old, is a clear indication of a systemic problem. Furthermore, the presence of an individual recorded as being 360 years old is a glaring example of the errors present in the system. These errors not only raise questions about the accuracy of the system but also about the potential for fraudulent activities.

One of the primary reasons behind this issue is the outdated technology used by the US tax, social security, and healthcare systems, which still rely on the COBOL programming language developed in 1959. This antiquated language has made it challenging to migrate and update data, resulting in frequent instances of lost or incorrect age information. In some cases, the system even auto-assigns ridiculous birth years, such as "1700", to compensate for missing data.

The use of COBOL has been a longstanding problem, with many experts and officials acknowledging the need for an upgrade. However, the cost of replacing the outdated system is a significant barrier. Experts note that the government's budget constraints have hindered the ability to update and maintain the system.

The consequences of this technical issue are far-reaching, with data discrepancies and errors plaguing not only the social security system but also other government agencies. The US government has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, with many agencies failing to pass annual audits. The General Accounting Office has expressed its inability to provide an opinion on the government's financial statements, citing significant deficiencies in accounting and record-keeping.

The discrepancy between the actual population of 341 million and the 398 million people in the social security system is a staggering 57 million, highlighting the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the system. As the US government grapples with the challenges of modernizing its technology and addressing data discrepancies, one thing is clear: the current system is in dire need of reform.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has conducted multiple audits of government agencies in recent years, uncovering numerous issues. In its fiscal year 2023 audit report, the office once again expressed its inability to provide an opinion, particularly concerning the Department of Defense, which has half of its assets unaccounted for. These findings have sparked widespread concern over the U.S. government's financial management practices.

The significant difference between the population and the number of social security accounts raises questions about the management and oversight of the social security system. It may indicate issues with data accuracy, identity verification, or possibly even fraud. If the discrepancy is due to systemic issues or fraud, it could have serious implications for the integrity of the social security system, potentially affecting the benefits and services provided to eligible citizens. It may also undermine public trust in the system.

Given the concerns and potential consequences, there is a clear need for an investigation into the causes of the discrepancy. This could involve audits, reviews of enrollment processes, and assessments of the system's vulnerability to errors or fraud. Based on the findings, reforms may be necessary to ensure the accuracy, security, and reliability of the social security system.

In conclusion, the American social security system is facing a crisis of credibility, with the recent revelations of discrepancies and errors undermining the trust of the public. It is imperative that the government takes immediate action to address these issues and ensure the integrity of the system. This can be achieved by updating the outdated technology, conducting comprehensive audits, and implementing measures to prevent fraudulent activities. Only by taking these steps can the social security system regain the trust of the public and ensure that it is functioning as intended.