Editing Surveillance (section)

===Identification and credentials===
[[File:Social Security card.jpg|thumb|right|A card containing an identification number]]

One of the simplest forms of identification is the carrying of credentials. Some nations have an [[Identity document|identity card]] system to aid identification, whilst others are considering it but face public opposition. Other documents, such as [[passport]]s, [[driver's license]]s, [[library card]]s, banking or [[credit card]]s are also used to verify identity.

If the form of the identity card is "machine-readable", usually using an encoded magnetic stripe or identification number (such as a [[Social Security number]]), it corroborates the subject's identifying data. In this case it may create an electronic trail when it is checked and scanned, which can be used in profiling, as mentioned above.