Which organization is responsible for protecting consumers from identity theft?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plays a pivotal role in protecting consumers from identity theft. As a federal agency, the FTC is tasked with promoting consumer protection and enforcing consumer rights. It provides valuable resources and guidance on how to avoid identity theft and what steps to take if someone's identity has been compromised. The FTC also collects complaints from consumers regarding identity theft and other frauds, which helps in monitoring trends and enforcing laws.

While other organizations also play important roles in consumer protection, the FTC is specifically focused on identity theft and related issues. The Privacy Commission does not exist as a formal entity under that name, and the Health and Human Services Department primarily deals with health-related privacy issues under HIPAA rather than general identity theft. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau focuses on financial products and services but does not have the same comprehensive mandate regarding identity theft as the FTC. Thus, the FTC is recognized as the leading authority in protecting consumers from identity theft.