ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13402Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13402

Strengthening Federal Efforts To Protect Against Identity Theft

Defense & SecurityDefense & SecurityFederal WorkforceFederal WorkforceEconomy & LaborEconomy & Labor

In simple terms

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

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 71 FR 27945

    Federal Register PDF

  3. 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

What to expect

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