Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Internet Freedom of Speech in Government's Crosshairs

A proposed bill, if passed, would enable president to shutdown the Internet in event of a cyberattack

The idea behind the bills are seemingly benevolent enough. Understanding that our Internet system is more than just a bunch of folks sending tweets, and under the threat of cyberattacks that may include hostile governments hacking into the American Government's computers, Senate bills 773 and 778 have been introduced as part of what is being called the Cybersecurity Act of 2009.

The concern, however, is that these bills could expand government powers to include restricting freedom of speech on the Internet. Even more alarming is that these bills would place this power in the direct control of the president.

Working copies of the bills do not define what exactly constitutes a cybersecurity emergency, which dangerously leaves the determination in the hands of the president.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Senate Proposal Could Put Heavy Restrictions on Internet Freedoms - Fox News

Will bill give Obama control of Internet? - World Net Daily

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