Under the law, organizations cannot require you to consent to the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information unless it is required for a specific and legitimate purpose.
The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) sets out ground rules for how private sector organizations may handle personal information - including the SIN - in the course of commercial activities. While there is no law barring businesses from asking for the SIN where there is no legal requirement to do so, they do need to make people aware that collection of a SIN is optional and not a condition of service. We recommend that private-sector organizations not ask a customer for their SIN unless there is a legal requirement to do so. What obligations do businesses have under federal privacy law? Remember: You can’t be denied a product or service for refusing to provide your SIN when it’s not legally required.
If the organization refuses to give you the product or service unless you give your SIN, file a complaint with us. This person is often called the privacy officer. If you can’t resolve your concern with front-line staff, ask for the contact information for the person in their organization who is responsible for privacy issues. Your SIN is not a piece of identification. If it is not required by law (and you are not satisfied with the explanation), tell the person you prefer not to use the SIN and offer other identification. Ask why the person needs it, how it will be used and to whom it will be given. Ask if you are required by law to provide it. If you are asked for your SIN, here are some tips: We recommend that you do not give the SIN to a private-sector organization unless there is a legal requirement to do so. What should I do if I am asked for my SIN? On its website, Service Canada lists some examples of when you do not need to provide your SIN. Just because someone asks for your SIN, it doesn’t mean that you have to provide it. In these cases, you are under no obligation to provide your SIN. While this is not recommended, there is no law preventing private-sector organizations from asking for the SIN for other purposes such as identification. Some organizations ask for the SIN for reasons unrelated to income reporting purposes – often because it is a simple method of identification. Note for Quebec residents: Hydro Québec is required by provincial law to collect a SIN for opening new accounts. 
Service Canada, the federal government department responsible for the administration of the SIN, has identified some of the most common uses of the SIN on its website. Some private-sector organizations must also collect the SIN for income reporting purposes. There are a few federal government departments and programs specifically authorized to collect the SIN. Taking steps to protect your SIN if you believe it is being used fraudulently.Providing your SIN only when it’s legally required.Shredding documents that contain your SIN.(Do not keep your SIN card in your wallet.) Storing your SIN card and other documents containing your SIN in a safe place.
Key steps you can take to protect your SIN include:
rent vehicles, equipment, or accommodation in your name, leaving you responsible for the bills. apply for a credit card or open a bank account,. Along with other personal information, someone may be able to use your SIN to: Your SIN can be used to steal your identity. What privacy risks are related to the SIN? What should I do if I have lost my SIN?. My SIN may have been compromised, what should I do?. What obligations do businesses have under federal privacy law?. What should I do if I’m asked for my SIN?. What privacy risks are related to the SIN?. It can open the door to your personal information and can put you at risk of fraud and identity theft. 
The SIN is important to privacy protection. However, some organizations ask for the SIN for other reasons. Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a confidential number used for income reporting purposes.
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