Bus Fumes

I don't care what your politics, if you care about freedom of speech, this news ought to set your hair on fire:

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.

No. No. No. If Chimpy McBushHitler Halliburton had proposed this, there'd have been rioting in the streets -- and with good reason.

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.)

The same man that thought it was perfectly logical to give a grandma pain pills instead of the pacemaker she so desperately needed now will have the power to take over and direct anything that happens on the internet, telecommunications or other "cyber" communications? Government licensing of cyber security?

No.

Are you a business owner? Then feast your beadies on this:

If your company is deemed "critical," a new set of regulations kick in involving who you can hire, what information you must disclose, and when the government would exercise control over your computers or network.

Do you really want the federal government in your business so deeply?

The Rockefeller-Snowe Cybersecurity bill makes it clear that the president's authority includes securing our national cyber infrastructure from attack. The section of the bill that addresses this issue, applies specifically to the national response to a severe attack or natural disaster.

Protect, yes. Regulate, NO.

Get the hell out of my internet and my telecommunications.