Saturday, August 29, 2009

Why do Democrats want emergency power over the Internet?

Why do Democrats want emergency power over the Internet? A revised Democratic bill would give President Obama the power to "declare a cybersecurity emergency" relating to "non-governmental" computer networks. This means he could shut down access or exert control over Internet content.

From CNET:
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.

Why shouldn't this be shocking? Attorney General Eric Holder has long wanted to censor and control Internet content. See video.

1 comment:

GeronL said...

Check out CitizensUnited vs FEC this admin thinks it has the power to ban books and films too