In a world with 7 billion people, most of whom have (or soon will have) digitized records, we need some type of unique universal identifier, like a SSN. My only problem with SSN is that it can't be used universally. We simply can't rely on name + date of birth for bank transactions and such; that's so Mayberry 1962. The problem today is a lack of face-to-face transactions. When people open bank accounts, request large transfers, or request/submit documents from a the government, it should be done via a teleconferencing app like Skype. If someone doesn't have access to a device, then they can use a kiosk at the nearest post office or just go to the bank in person. Even if the account representative isn't personally familiar with the person making the request, a photo ID can be pulled up from the state database for use as reference, and if the requester turns out later to be a criminal, then the police have a convenient up close video/audio sample of the event for evidence.
Sort of. But how practical maintaining photo ID for 7 billion spread over hundreds of national jurisdictions, with need for updates and authentication both initially and with each photo update ... Helpful but hardly a real solution.
As has been noted, account numbers get stolen, information gets put in wrong, or updated wrong. People change in appearance (and there needs to be a way to update that) over the years, especially when they're sick and need medical care. Fingerprints might be a bit better but screw ups can and will happen.
Frankly I'm doing less purchasing with electronics recently. SO much easier to walk into a store, plunk down cash and walk out (I've stopped using my debit card for most purchases as well). No worrying about if the transaction was charged correctly (if I got the right change, everything is ok). No need 'make an account' or 'choose a password' etc. which drives me crazy every time I want to order something online--even a one shot purchase.
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-- FORTRAN manual for Xerox Computers --