U.S. Congress approves identity theft bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives passed U.S. Senate Bill 2168 for the Identity Theft and Restitution Act of 2007 via voice vote. The bill would protect businesses and individuals against cyber crimes and stiffen penalties against online criminals and identity thieves.

Senate Bill 2168 is sponsored by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, and was introduced on the House floor by Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., House Judiciary Committee chairman.

Specifically, the legislation would give victims of identity theft the right to seek restitution for indirect losses, such as time and money spent rebuilding credit. Currently, victims are only compensated for direct losses. It also criminalizes online extortion and ensures that suspects of identity theft will be prosecuted under federal identity theft laws. Further, the legislation would make it a felony to use malicious software capable of collecting secure data and other account information.

To view this bill, visit the Automotive Service Association’s legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.