The White House “still plans on coming forward with an executive order” on identity theft in public benefit programs that it previously promised would be released “in the coming weeks” in March, a White House spokesperson recently told FCW.
At the time, the administration said the forthcoming order, led by American Rescue Plan coordinator Gene Sperling, would have “broad government-wide directives… to prevent and detect identity theft involving public benefits” with a focus on privacy, equity and civil liberty protections, as well as provide help for identity fraud victims.
Stakeholders say the need for action is urgent, pointing to the promise of the White House’s agenda and its policy-setting ability to address both equity concerns and internal government policy barriers that often hinder identity proofing.