New CyberSecurity Bill Raises Privacy Questions

Nicolas Dawson points out coverage in Mother Jones of the early stages of a new cybersecurity bill that conveys sweeping powers on the President. Quoting: "The Cybersecurity Act of 2009 (PDF) gives the president the ability to 'declare a cybersecurity emergency' and shut down or limit Internet traffic in any 'critical' information network 'in the interest of national security.' The bill does not define a critical information network or a cybersecurity emergency. That definition would be left to the president. The bill ... also grants the Secretary of Commerce 'access to all relevant data concerning [critical] networks without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy restricting such access.' This means he or she can monitor or access any data on private or public networks without regard to privacy laws."

Comments

Not introduced to Senate [STAFF WORKING DRAFT]

[kindbud]

Not to rain on anybody's paranoia parade (OK, yes I am) but this is a [STAFF WORKING DRAFT] and has not been introduced to the Senate. It doesn't even have any sponsors. You won't find it on THOMAS, nor in the list of active legislation posted to senate.gov.

Re:Doesn't it strike anyone as odd that

[Kugrian]

Google News currently links to 43 related stories.

Here's the WSJ's take.

Re:wow

[Attack DAWWG]

Seriously....those that voted for "O" and were adament supporters. Is THIS the change you were wanting?

Did you even read the article? The bill was introduced by a Democrat and a Republican. Obama was not involved.