Right Column

Press Release - July 11, 2005

Identity Theft Prevention Made a Top Priority in Schwarzenegger Administration, State Budget

SACRAMENTO - With a major budget increase to the California Office of Privacy Protection (COPP), the newly signed state budget boosts efforts to combat the growing epidemic of identity theft, making it a top priority in the Schwarzenegger Administration.

“California leads the nation in providing legal remedies for those hit by this devastating crime.   Yet, victims, consumer groups and law enforcement officials continue to report frustrations in bringing criminals to justice,” said Fred Aguiar, Secretary of the State and Consumer Services Agency.   

Originally proposed by Governor Schwarzenegger in May, the 2005 -06 budget contains an augmentation of $446,000 for the COPP to increase identity theft education and outreach efforts to consumers and organizations throughout California. 

“Far too often we hear about major, institution-wide breaches of personal data and the sophisticated means behind the attacks – To combat this crime, we need to become as sophisticated as the criminals, ” continued Aguiar.

In the upcoming year, the COPP will undertake an aggressive strategy to conduct training sessions and seminars at institutions of higher learning, departments of state, local government, and law enforcement agencies.

"Giving consumers the best possible information about how to protect their privacy is critical," said Charlene Zettel, Director of the California Department of Consumer Affairs. "It is also critical that we train those who respond to privacy and identity theft violations, and to promote best practices for individuals, businesses and governments."

The dedicated resources and public education strategy are among proposals developed after the Schwarzenegger Administration hosted an Identity Theft Summit earlier this year, where industry and consumer groups, law enforcement agencies and state and local officials attended a daylong session to explore ways to combat identity theft.   Led by the Department of Consumer Affairs, a working group was established at the summit to develop formal recommendations which will be delivered in an upcoming report to the Governor.

 

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