CISPA passes the House, privacy battle moves to Senate
The House passed the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) Thursday night, despite some controversy over how the bill addresses privacy and a threat of a veto from the White House.
The measure, designed to make it easier for the federal government and private sector to share cyber threat data with each other, was approved by a 248-168 vote.
Its supporters and opponents were quick to issue statements following passage of the bill, which now moves to the Senate.
The Obama administration had issued a veto threat against CISPA earlier this week. The White House has previously endorsed a bill from Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), which would put cybersecurity oversight and private sector coordination in the hands of the Department of Homeland Security.
Some business interests have opposed this proposal, saying it would add unnecessarily regulation. Business groups hailed the CISPA’s passage, saying that it will make it much easier for the private sector to share possible cyber threat information without additional regulatory burden.
Robert Holleyman, president and chief executive of the Business Software Alliance, said in a statement that the act is, “critical because it unties the hands of companies on the front lines of the digital economy.”
Other business leaders urged the Senate to pass the bill quickly. “We strongly urge the Senate to swiftly take up this issue because the United States cannot afford to wait to improve our nation’s cybersecurity posture,” said TechAmerica President and chief executive Shawn Osborne. “Standing pat will only further risk our national security.”
Privacy advocates, however, remained concerned that the measure will violate basic civil liberties.
The Center for Democracy and Technology, which withdrew its support for the bill on Wednesday, said it was “disappointed that CISPA passed the House in such flawed form and under such a flawed process.” While the group was pleased with some of the amendments, which tried to narrow the scope and language of the bill, the group is still concerned that CISPA allows information to move “from the private sector directly to the NSA.” They also said that the bill inappropriately allows for data to be applied to national security issues other than cybersecurity.
In a statement, the American Civil Liberties Union said that it is concerned. “CISPA goes too far for little reason,” said Michelle Richardson, ACLU legislative counsel. “Cybersecurity does not have to mean abdication of Americans’ online privacy. As we’ve seen repeatedly, once the government gets expansive national security authorities, there’s no going back. We encourage the Senate to let this horrible bill fade into obscurity.”
Shortly after the the House passed CISPA, it also unanimously approved another cybersecurity measure: amendments to the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) proposed by Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), which address security on the government federal computer systems.
May 5, 2012 at 5:16 PM |
Thank you all for your comments, they always bring more insight. So, this is an extention in conjuction with the already “smart” technology they are putting on everything now and even said our tv’s and appliances can be used to spy on us inside of our homes. They can access our info and actually see through those 2-way devices.. Privacy is fading! Please come quickly Lord Jesus…
May 4, 2012 at 8:04 PM |
Since they plan to push the private sector out the window, that’s why America will be part of a one world religion.
May 4, 2012 at 2:36 PM |
When you take away a persons inalienable right to free speech, you censor the sharing of information, and it makes it much easier to decieve people. Slowly but surely our elected government increases its power over the people who are supposed to be in control. They do what they want with our hard earned tax money, and we have nothing to say about it. Our elected officials are crooked with greed because the special interest groups pay them off to pass laws that are beneficial to them and not neccessarily to the people.
When the people in Old Testament times began building the tower of bable, God confused the languages to stop there advancement. God even said that if they continued, nothing would be held from them. Now God did this for his GOOD WILL because the people were being disobedient to His commandment to possess the whole earth and multiply.
However, our government has been for a long time succeeding in doing the same as God did, but for their EVIL purposes. They know if they confuse the languages of communication they can nullify the power of the people and unite them under their oppressive rule to implement their plan.
Stop listening to these preachers saying things like, “Its gonna be alright” or, “Things are going to get better.” Jesus says that the end will not come unless there be a falling away first. The truth is its not going to get better, its going to get worse and then the end which will be a glorious day for the true saints.
May 4, 2012 at 2:18 PM |
NOTHING more than over-reach by the Federal Govt.! Prepare saints! The systematic erosion of our rights continues on a break-neck pace! OBAMA, ROMNEY, CLINTON,BUSH, CARTER,REAGAN… ALL answer to ANOTHER god.
May 4, 2012 at 1:45 PM |
You might as well have a camera in your house, because privacy is out of the window. America is on its way to becoming a Socialist Nation. Next they will put a curfew on the internet. The devil has weaseled his way into everything.
May 4, 2012 at 1:44 PM |
First the Patriot Act now this…. I hope people understand the severity of this bill. They already have the power to arrest and prison you for however long they deem fit without giving you a trial. That (the Patriot Act) is the consequence now they are trying to pass the motive. I know we are saved but let’s not be foolish and think this will impact us all. This is a control mechanism at the hands of some unknown persons, that can make you vanish if they perceive your acts as a threat. In my humble opinion when the masses organize the powers that be and policy makers, perceive you as a threat. This bill must to be modify or put to rest. Forgive me for my rant.