Internet "Kill Switch" Would Give President Power To Shut Down Web

[Rocky C]

POSTED: 10:39 am MDT June 18, 2010 CNET.


A new Senate bill, sponsored by Senator Joseph Lieberman, proposes to give the president the authority "to seize control of or even shut down portions of the Internet," according to CNET.


The authority granted to the government in the bill, known as the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act (PCNAA), has been likened to an Internet "kill switch."


The bill would require that private companies--such as "broadband providers, search engines, or software firms," CNET explains--"immediately comply with any emergency measure or action" put in place by the Department of Homeland Security, or else face fines.


It would also see the creation of a new agency within the Department of Homeland Security, the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications (NCCC). Any private company reliant on "the Internet, the telephone system, or any other component of the U.S. 'information infrastructure'" would be "subject to command" by the NCCC, and some would be required to engage in "information sharing" with the agency, says CBS4.

[USNAviator]

Interesting post Rocky, thank you!

I was wondering what Al Gore, Internet inventor thinks about all this? When the "kill switch" is pulled, will my screen say "You've Been Gored"

Just wondering!!!!

[Old Marine]

Looks like the Prez is going to get another perk with his position.

[echo3oscar1833]

Wonder if I will still be able to look at porn, iffen I can then I'm happy

[USNAviator]

Wonder if I will still be able to look at porn, iffen I can then I'm happy

I think Al will give you a pass. Given that Tipper is no longer around, you may see him on some of the sites

[Zulu 36]

Can you imagine the hubbub if some Republican had proposed this while Bush was the Prez? The libs would have been screaming like hysterical little girls.

[LandsNGrooves]

Wow, the patriot act, now this crap. I hope hackers are tapping Leibermans online assets right now.

[haebyungdae]

If there is anybody interested in actually reading it for themselves...

[kenrobg30]

Patriot? Act, Presidents emergency Authority, home land gestopo. How many more links are the the powers that Be going to put around our necks, before we say, Enough?? Ken

[LandsNGrooves]

Patriot? Act, Presidents emergency Authority, home land gestopo. How many more links are the the powers that Be going to put around our necks, before we say, Enough?? Ken

Thank you for that Ken. Sadly, some people don't see this as what it really is.

[Rocky C]

Thank you for that Ken. Sadly, some people don't see this as what it really is.

Ain't that the Truth!!!

[USNAviator]

There is always a new emergency going on in Government that demands constant attention and immediate action. However, in some cases the only emergency part about the situation is the actions that the Senates take for security purposes. The newest bill in Washington was proposed last Thursday, which stated that the President would have greater powers and control over the Internet for emergency situations. This includes being able, if necessary, to completely shut down sections of the Internet.

According to Cnet, The Department of Homeland Security is worried about terrorists forming a, "cyber 9/11," which is not something that the Government can afford to take a risk on. The Internet is the biggest shared connection for people all over the world. This could be hugely harmful for those who make a living online, whose information is shared on major websites or even through companies that store clients files through the Internet. The new bill would force major companies such as telephone and Internet providers to be commanded by a newly formed National Center for Cyber security and Communications (NCCC) within Homeland Security. However, it is said to be taking measurements to protect citizens through legal and compliant ways.

A draft was proposed in late last August for an, “internet kill-switch,” which means that this idea has already been passed through the Government before for review. However, since there was no extreme emergency, companies weren’t forced to bide rules and share information. Though research and facts have already proven in the Senate to take these procedures into action.

If the new Bill is passed, the NCCC would be given the power to select private companies and monitor their security. They would also be allowed to request information form the selected companies. The type of information is currently not known. At minimum, two directors will be elected in charge, and though reports don't confirm how much they're jobs will overlap with those existing, they may well replace a great deal in other departments.

Many feel that this is unnecessary act and fear for the Internet and their privacy. Is this another attempt to gain control and restrict what we can and cannot do online? The beginning of Internet Censorship? You decide..

[Osotogary]

Why hasn't Bin Laden been caught? I ask this question over and over again everytime a new bill has been passed or a new tax being issued.

[micarr57]

Why hasn't Bin Laden been caught? I ask this question over and over again everytime a new bill has been passed or a new tax being issued.

if they caught osama they would have to come up with a whole new enemy. when the berlin wall came down reagan said something about a peace dividend that just disappeared pretty quick
EVERYONE takes advantage of a crisis EVERYONE

[ameriken]

Any private company reliant on "the Internet, the telephone system, or any other component of the U.S. 'information infrastructure'" would be "subject to command" by the NCCC, and some would be required to engage in "information sharing" with the agency, says CBS4.

'Engage in information sharing'? A politically correct way to say 'illegal search'.