Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act:CISPA

Once again, our government is looking for more legislation about cyber threats and security. This passed the House and it heading to the Senate. On the surface, this legislation sounds good. We don't like threats to our country or to our lives so we think it is about safety.

Much like SOPA, the wording in the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act or CISPA is broad. The broadness is the root of many of the concerns. It offers a simple, warrantless means to acquire personal data from companies, ISPs and other online entities.

I can assure you that the voluntary collaboration of security information is already an integral part of security measures in business, this nation and around the world. There is also a government entity that works with cyber security and has been for years (www.us-cert.gov). This is not about the sharing of information but the sharing of PERSONAL information.

This legislation is too vague when it comes to the use of the data collected. For exaxmple, private electronic communications (YOUR EMAIL) can be retrieved by your ISP and handed over to the government without a warrant or just cause. As a result, it can be used, now or in the future, infringe on individual rights in the name of "safety".

I hope you will read more about this potential threat and make an informed decision and not succumb to the rhetoric of fear that seems to be coming out of our nation's capital.

The Non-Geek’s Guide to CISPA, the Cybersecurity Bill The Internet is Freaking Out Over

EFF Condemns CISPA, Vows to Take Fight to the Senate

All About CISPA, the Bill that Wants to Erode Your Online Privacy

How CISPA would affect you (faq)

Free Market Coalition: Amend CISPA to Preserve Freedom, Prevent Gov’t Overreach

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