There is a bill now being written behind closed doors that would give the President the power to exert emergency control of the internet in times of emergency. If you are fortunate enough to be a company that is designated as a critical interest you could be subjected to forced removal from the internet when an emergency strikes. Why is the government trying to get into the business of controlling these companies? Shouldn’t they be cleaning up their own house first? These companies hire entire departments of people who are in charge of protecting their digital assets. It’s their job. Why is the government concerned with the operation of private property? It frankly is none of their business how large companies operate their networks. Who thinks this is a good idea?
Internet companies and civil liberties groups were alarmed this spring when a U.S. Senate bill proposed handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.
They’re not much happier about a revised version that aides to Sen. Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, have spent months drafting behind closed doors. CNET News has obtained a copy of the 55-page draft of S.773 (excerpt), which still appears to permit the president to seize temporary control of private-sector networks during a so-called cybersecurity emergency.
The new version would allow the president to “declare a cybersecurity emergency” relating to “non-governmental” computer networks and do what’s necessary to respond to the threat. Other sections of the proposal include a federal certification program for “cybersecurity professionals,” and a requirement that certain computer systems and networks in the private sector be managed by people who have been awarded that license.
Here’s the real kicker:
Probably the most controversial language begins in Section 201, which permits the president to “direct the national response to the cyber threat” if necessary for “the national defense and security.” The White House is supposed to engage in “periodic mapping” of private networks deemed to be critical, and those companies “shall share” requested information with the federal government. (“Cyber” is defined as anything having to do with the Internet, telecommunications, computers, or computer networks.)
Now we see the true purpose of this bill. The government wants to know what is on our computer networks. Imagine the possibilities for a moment. Let’s say there is another (God forbid) terrorist attack. The government already has the power to ground all air travel. Now they can pull the plug on the internet as well. What better way to suppress dissent could their be? The government already effectively controls the majority of the mass media. Oh wait, this is for our safety. There I go being paranoid again…
