NAID : News : ID Theft Bill Introduced; Would Establish New FTC Office

September 19, 2009 - Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has introduced a bill aimed at helping prevent and diagnose identity theft. The Personal Data Privacy and Security Act would increase penalties for those who commit the crime and would make it illegal for organizations to conceal a security breach involving personal data. The law would also require entities that hold personal data to establish data protection policies. "Identity theft is a scourge on hard-working Americans, and it is a problem that is getting worse," said Schumer. The act would also establish an Office of Federal Identity Protection within the Federal Trade Commission.