(a) Notwithstanding the other provisions of AS 45.48.400 — 45.48.480, a person may disclose an individual's social security number to an employee or agent of the person for a legitimate purpose established by and as directed by the person, but the employee or agent may not use the social security number for another purpose or make an unauthorized disclosure of the individual's personal information.
(b) Notwithstanding the other provisions of AS 45.48.400 — 45.48.480, and except as provided for an agent under (a) of this section, a person may disclose an individual's social security number to an independent contractor of the person to facilitate the purpose or transaction for which the individual initially provided the social security number to the person, but the independent contractor may not use the social security number for another purpose or make an unauthorized disclosure of the individual's personal information. In this subsection, “independent contractor” includes a debt collector.