Federal Identity Theft Task Force Seeks Public Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2006-220

Washington, D.C., Dec. 28, 2006 - The President's Identity Theft Task Force announced that it is seeking public comment on various possible recommendations to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the federal government's efforts to reduce identity theft. The Task Force is chaired by Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales and co-chaired by Federal Trade Commission Chairman Deborah Platt Majoras and participants include the Securities and Exchange Commission and other federal agencies.

In preparing to produce a final strategic plan to the President, the Task Force is considering, among other things, various ways to improve the coordination and effectiveness of criminal prosecution of identity theft, to enhance data protection for sensitive consumer information maintained by the public sector, private sector, and the consumer himself or herself, and to provide more comprehensive and effective guidance for consumers and the business community. The Task Force also is considering ways to improve recovery and assistance for consumers following a breach or misuse of their information.

For a summary of issues being considered by the Task Force and instructions on how to submit comments, please visit the Department of Justice's web site at www.usdoj.gov/ittf/ or the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/taskforce.htm.

The Task Force has been working diligently since its inception in May 2006 to develop a comprehensive strategy for steps the federal government can take to combat identity theft (http://www.usdoj.gov/ittf/).

In September 2006, the Task Force issued interim recommendations to the President which will improve the ability of the government and the private sector to bring identity thieves to justice, to mitigate the risks of identity theft for individuals and companies, and to assist identity-theft victims in recovering from the effects of this pernicious crime.

Although there is no legal requirement that the Task Force solicit public comment on its recommendations, the Task Force agencies believe that seeking comment on these issues will supplement the research and analysis already conducted, provide further information about the proposals it is considering, and identify areas where additional recommendations may be warranted. Comments must be filed on or before Friday, Jan. 19, 2007.

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  Additional materials: Department of Justice's Identity Theft Task Force website (www.usdoj.gov/ittf/); Federal Trade Commission's Identify Theft Task Force website (www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/taskforce.htm).

http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2006/2006-220.htm