ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13402Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13402

Strengthening Federal Efforts To Protect Against Identity Theft

This executive order establishes the Identity Theft Task Force, co-chaired by the Attorney General and FTC Chairman, to coordinate federal efforts against identity theft through law enforcement, public education, and data security. The Task Force must submit a strategic plan within 180 days and may be terminated by the President or Attorney General via Federal Register notice.

Federal Register Open PDF 71 FR 27945

Impact dates

  1. Task Force to submit coordinated strategic plan to President

Key directives

  • Establish Identity Theft Task Force with specified membership
  • Attorney General serves as Chairman, FTC Chairman as Co-Chairman
  • Task Force to prepare and submit coordinated strategic plan within 180 days
  • Task Force to review executive branch activities and build upon prior efforts
  • Task Force to coordinate federal government efforts on identity theft policy
  • Task Force to obtain information from state/local/tribal governments and private sector (non-consensus basis)
  • Task Force to promote enhanced cooperation with state and local authorities
  • Task Force to provide advice and recommendations to President and agency heads
  • Task Force located in Department of Justice for administrative purposes
  • DOJ to provide funding and administrative support as determined by Attorney General
  • Attorney General may terminate Task Force by Federal Register notice unless sooner terminated by President

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Task Force establishment
  • Designation of members by Attorney General with concurrence

Near term (90d)

  • Task Force convenes meetings
  • Subgroups established for specific subject matters
  • Information gathering from state/local/tribal governments and private sector

Long term

  • Strategic plan submission due within 180 days
  • Ongoing coordination of federal identity theft efforts
  • Periodic written reports to President with recommendations

Risks & tensions

  • Task Force membership includes financial regulators with independent statutory authority; coordination tensions possible
  • Section 5(a) preserves existing agency authority, potentially limiting Task Force coordination effectiveness
  • Funding contingent on DOJ determination and appropriations availability (Sec. 4(b), 5(b))
  • Advisory role only—no direct operational or regulatory authority granted to Task Force
  • Vague 'from time to time' reporting schedule reduces accountability predictability
Executive Order 13402: Strengthening Federal Efforts To Protect Against Identity Theft · Executive Orders