WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Clinton signed a bill into law Thursday introduced by Sen. Susan Collins to stem the availability of false identification obtained from the Internet. Collins, chairman of the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, conducted an investigation earlier this year that revealed the widespread availability on the Internet of a variety of fake identification documents.

“Such materials allow individuals to manufacture authentic looking IDs in the seclusion of their own homes, which can then be used to commit identify theft and serious financial crimes,” Collins said.

The House and Senate gave final approval to Collins’ legislation by voice vote on Dec. 15.