Bill would give president emergency control of Internet | Politics and Law – CNET News.
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.
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.)
Can we say meglamania?
August 28, 2009 at 11:44 pm
In a very abstract sense I can see how the POTUS should have some sort of limited power like this during a national emergency such as a serious cyber attack. But it would need to fall under the jurisdiction of Congressional oversight. My concern is that this proposal is so vague in defining in what circumstances a POTUS would be able to invoke it and what information would be required to comply with the mandate. Without detailed specification and strong Congressional oversight any POTUS could do pretty much anything he or she pleased. And could use the information gained for any purpose whatsoever.
August 29, 2009 at 12:45 am
That is the problem Shh. Everything that this admin sends out is vague which allows for a great deal of interpretation. The Devil is in the details.
August 29, 2009 at 12:08 am
so Obama wants to control radio content, telecom, & now internet in case of national emergency. when has that ever happened except in Nazi Germany, China, Cuba, Russia or former Soviet block countries?
I’m working on my Ham radio license. it may be the only way to communicate in the future. Ham operators handle comm after hurricanes when cell service is down.
gov networks can be isolated in case of attack. there’s no reason to control public access unless he wants to limit online banking. his “information Czar” had some security issues under his watch as VA CIO. sounds like one of his creative ideas. like renewing driver license using facebook.
August 29, 2009 at 12:43 am
You call it creative, I call it devious. LOL
August 29, 2009 at 7:49 am
Shhhshhhit talks about the proposal being so vague in defining under what circumstances the internet control takeover would occur. Is it not in line with the White House micromanagement already?
August 29, 2009 at 1:20 pm
Team O has it down to a science. Leave an out for the lawyers.