Identity Blogger has called our attention to a recent addendum to a bill proposed in April that addresses cybersecurity. The addendum, covered in more detail at Cnet News, would enable President Obama to shut down private-sector computer systems in the event of a “cybersecurity emergency.” In addition to alarming private business owners and operators, the bill’s vague language finds many hard pressed to show their support.
Those who originally proposed the bill, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-W.V.) and Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) believed it to be an essential step in improving our nation’s cybersecurity. But, many remained unconvinced as to why the President should have such control over private networks.
Larry Clinton, President of the Internet Security Alliance, expressed his concern in the Cnet News report: “It is unclear what authority Sen. Rockefeller thinks is necessary over the private sector. Unless this is clarified, we cannot properly … support the bill.”
Cnet News summarizes the controversial bill as enabling a new set of regulations to be imposed on private companies if they are identified as “critical” by the U.S. government. After giving the title, the government would then direct who can be hired, what must be disclosed, and when the government would seize control of their networks.