Government

Committee Passes Plan for Internet ‘Kill Switch’ in Egypt — U.S.

Pending legislation that would grant the President of the United States the power to pull the plug on the country’s internet access in a declared “emergency” returned to the forefront this week on the same day Egyptians faced a nation-wide blackout designed to curtail widespread government protests. Egypt flipped it’s so-called “kill switch” — will the U.S.?

The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Maine Sen. Susan Collins, the ranking Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.  The bill — called “The Protecting Cyberspace As A National Asset Act of 2010” S.3480 — was approved by a Senate panel this week.

S. 3480 would create a new government agency called the National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications.  The NCCC would have sweeping powers to control the Internet, including the ability to shut down the web for a 30-day period.  Considering that at least 60% of Americans get their daily news fix from the Internet, this is a staggering proposal.

Blaze writer Mike Opelka also notes that groups such as the ACLU see this proposed legislation potentially giving the President a giant kill switch for the Internet.  Before the bill moves to the Senate floor for a vote, the ACLU has formally noted their disapproval.

While Collins insists her bill would not grant the president the same powers as Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak has exercised this week, many are wondering what kinds of implications the measure would have on Americans’ freedom.

Many in the high-tech world join the ACLU in questioning the bill as well.

PC Magazine‘s Dan Costa warned Friday that the United States must learn from Egypt’s “state-sponsored denial of service attack” on its citizens. “The surprising thing isn’t that a corrupt, authoritarian regime would launch this kind of state-sponsored denial off service attack on its own citizens. Nor that it is willing to jeopardize its economy by cutting its businesses off from world markets. No, the thing that surprises me is that the U.S. government has plans for its own Internet Kill Switch,” Costa wrote.

The legislation was first introduced last summer by Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine), and the former has promised to bring it to the floor again in 2011. It isn’t called anything as obvious as the Internet Kill Switch, of course. It is called the “Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act.” Who could be against that? Anyone who’s watching the news on TV today, that’s who.

The proposal calls for the Department of Homeland Security to establish and maintain a list of systems or assets that constitute critical cyber-infrastructure. The President would be able to be able to control those systems. He or she would have ability to turn them off. The kicker: none of this would be subject to judicial review. This is just a proposal, mind you, but it certainly warrants concern. Particularly given the heavy-handed example being provided by Egypt.

The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Joe Liebermann, I-Conn., previously sailed through the Homeland Security Committee just before the 111th Congress ended, and will have to be reconsidered in the new 112th Congress.

Intended to protect the country against “significant” cyber threats, Sen. Collins says the bill “would provide a mechanism for the government to work with the private sector in the event of a true cyber emergency.”

“It would give our nation the best tools available to swiftly respond to a significant threat,” she added.

Wired.com reports:

An aide to the Homeland Security committee described the bill as one that does not mandate the shuttering of the entire internet. Instead, it would authorize the president to demand turning off access to so-called “critical infrastructure” where necessary.

An example, the aide said, would require infrastructure connected to “the system that controls the floodgates to the Hoover dam” to cut its connection to the net if the government detected an imminent cyber attack.

What’s unclear, however, is how the government would have any idea when a cyber attack was imminent or why the operator wouldn’t shutter itself if it detected a looming attack.

About two dozen groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the American Library Association, Electronic Frontier Foundation and Center for Democracy & Technology, were skeptical enough to file an open letter opposing the idea. They are concerned that the measure, if it became law, might be used to censor the internet.

“It is imperative that cyber-security legislation not erode our rights,” (.pdf) the groups wrote last year to Congress.

On Friday, executives with London-based Vodofone came under scrutiny after admitting they had complied with the Egyptian government’s request to shut down internet and mobile phone access in Egypt.  According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Vodofone Group CEO Vittorio Cola expressed concern with the state-ordered blackout, but the company determined that the request was “legitimate under Egyptian law,” and therefore complied with the request.

In addition, Al Jazeera reported that protesters on Friday destroyed Vodafone stores in Cairo, among other locations tied to the ruling regime.

In the meantime, Costa insists that such a “kill switch” initiative could be devastating for the United States — not just because of the real impact on individual liberties, but also because of widespread economic ramifications:

The U.S. telecommunication industry is much more complex and far more decentralized [than Egypt's]. To do something similar in the U.S. would require a lot more than four phone calls. There are simply too many connections inside the nation already for them to be silenced. Also, since our economy is more dependent on the Internet obstructing the free flow of information would be disastrous. Still, the push for a U.S. Internet Kill Switch is here, but no one understands the consequences.

The fact is, no one in the U.S. should ever have the right or the ability to take the Internet offline. As an editor of a purely online publication (we made the switch from print a few years ago), it’s very clear to me that freedom of the press relies more than ever on the Internet. No one in the U.S.—or anywhere—should have the right to shut it down.

Comments (372)

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  • gingerdr
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:19pm

    The only time I have ever agreed with the ACLU.

    Report Post » gingerdr  
  • Endstatism
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:19pm

    I have lost a good deal of respect for Senator Lieberman for proposing such a law. Even with the best of intentions, there is too much potential for government abuse. And with the kind of people who are in the current administration, they would manufacture a crisis to silence political opponents.

    Report Post » Endstatism  
    • The Gooch
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:12pm

      Lieberman’s knee jerk appeal to many has been what we perceive as a strong stance on defense. On all other issues, he is a by the book progressive: Expansion of govt. control, limiting choices and advocating for content control with regard to electronic entertainment. Yeah, I used to be ignorant enough to believe ol‘ Joe wasn’t so bad, ’til I started following his career with more than evening news reports and sound bytes. This lil’ dude is not your friend and believe first and foremost in protecting govt., not the unwashed masses. Don’t shed a tear for this “independent.” Him stepping off the reservation on one issue didn‘t mean he still wasn’t a member of the tribe.

      Report Post »  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 11:32pm

      GOOCH,

      Lieberman is definitely a MEMBER of a TRIBE. The TRIBE of SOROS that is. As all this shakes down, just lots of folks are going to finally see WHO is REALLY behind it all, and WHY.

      Report Post »  
  • JCoolman
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:13pm

    This is not bipartisan. Liebermann is an independent which really means democrat. Collins is a progressive republican which really means democrat. This is, as usual, a dictatorial (oops I mean democrat), partisan Chavez-style control-the-people bill. REMEMBER THESE POLITICIANS WHEN IT IS TIME FOR RE-ELECTION. Liebermann already has quit. Put pressure on Collins to quit as well. Or just reject her in the next election.

    Report Post »  
    • Beckbot
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:30pm

      The 2nd co-sponsor is also a Dem, Carper from Deleware

      Report Post » Beckbot  
  • Nigel2
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:12pm

    For the ACLU to disagree with this administration is a huge step. There must have been serious infighting and debate before they released this opinion. I can’t stand the ACLU, but this proves even the most misguided minds can make a logical step in extreme circumstances.

    But hey, keep standing up for NAMBLA you sick freaks!

    Report Post » Nigel2  
  • azmomof6
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:12pm

    The name of the bill, “Protect Cyberspace”? Really? …and it needs protecting from whom? The Internet is fine. The government has no business messing with it. Quite frankly, I don’t see how they can give themselves the power to do so. And introduced by a republican? Is she really too dim-witted too realize the implications of power the bill would give? Does she not understand how this power could be used against us?

    Report Post »  
    • Fina Biscotti
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 11:26pm

      Yep, the Soros-backed ACLU has shown its “disapproval”…………of the legislation…..

      giving his meat puppet, usurper obama/soetoro……a kill switch?!!!

      Report Post »  
  • walker1812
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:11pm

    Just what we need another big government agency. We all know how well the government runs its business. Susan Collins is not a Republican. Her loyalties are with the dems.

    Report Post »  
  • ILUVAMERICA
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:10pm

    Didn’t mr. obama just tell Eygpt not to do that???

    Report Post » ILUVAMERICA  
    • shorthanded12
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:54pm

      its “do as I say, not as I do”

      The perfect storm is brewing around the world for these corrupt governments/factions to take control, and were not excluded either.

      Report Post »  
    • gracew
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 11:24pm

      Again, another example of a dictator’s mantra–”do as I say, not as I do. A fascist in liberal garb. We need to contact our legislators and remind them we still have the vote and all of them need to run for election from time to time.

      Report Post »  
  • tmkphx1962
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:10pm

    I cannot believe I agree with the ACLU

    Report Post »  
  • NickDeringer
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:08pm

    An Obama eye on the Dictator guy. And he’s liking it. O’Barry taking notes on Mubarak. What a surprise.

    O’Barry is the worst President America has ever had.

    Report Post » NickDeringer  
    • ritetrack
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:49pm

      the worst…. but, haven’t you noticed that he, obama, is “learning”…. a very scary thought that a ‘liberal’ is learning something about the ‘real world’….no doubt he will try…in his ignorance…to pervert his new knowledge into something new and very liberal… a new ‘spin’ on righteousness…holiness… Godliness….

      God help those under his influence… may God grant them ‘discernment’…. God help those under obama’s spell….protect them…guide them…. lead and protect them until obama is ‘able and capable in YOUR NAME GOD AND FOR YOUR SAKE AND YOUR SERVICE”….protect those, Jesus, who have ‘bought into him’ for simple reasons…. if he is YOUR MAN, Lord Jesus, please help him that he might guide others in the right direction… if he is A LIE as many of us suspect… i pray that you will reveal him as a lie…. that those who follow him like sheep lead to the slaughter will be enlightened and saved….God help us…GOD HELP!!!

      Jesus, my best guess is that obama is kinda lost….. please give him discernment… he declares you as his Savior…this is all i have to go on…. yet, he still believes that he would not want his daughters saddled with a baby…. GOD HELP THIS MAN… GOD HELP HIM…..

      the day that i heard him proclaim this was the day that i heard the TRUTH……what obama really said was that “HE DID NOT WHAT TO BE SADDLED WITH A GRAND-SON OR A GRAND-DAUGHTER…THAT HE WAS NOT READY TO GIVE UP HIS ‘CAREER’ TO BE GRANDPARENT….

      it was never about melia or sasha…or michelle… obama is just a weenie when it comes to the thought of being a grandfather at a young age…especially when you are the ‘leader of the free world’ and you have such an amazing career and legacy in front of you….

      it was never about his children…. his wife…. his parents…

      it is all about obama and what he wants…this is the most self-indulgent, self-gratifying, self-centered person on the face of this earth….GOD HELP HIS SOUL….I REALLY DON’T KNOW IF HE HAS A SOUL OR NOT….the amazing gift of life seems to escape him…because it’s all about him…..

      he frightens me beyond belief… i have never witnessed a more self-indulgent, self-serving and self-gratifying human being on this earth….

      frankly, i thought i had earned this title… i comforts my soul and gives me great hope for my own pitiful life that that there is someone (obama) who is more evil than me…..

      thank you God…thank you for showing me what REAL EVIL LOOKS LIKE….

      THANK YOU GOD…..

      IN JESUS’ NAME…. PROTECT US FROM OBAMA…

      Report Post » ritetrack  
    • Max jones
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 4:47pm

      AZDEBI…Glad to hear from you. and I do believe you are right. It is just the start of something devious.

      Report Post » Max jones  
  • Horizon3
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:08pm

    What do you expect from Collins & Snowe, et al.
    We need to get Boehner to lobby the Rep Senate and boot her but off that committee.
    And to get him to crap can that bill, when and if it comes to the house for a vote.

    Report Post » Horizon3  
  • azjoannie
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:06pm

    Well, we need another government bureau, created to try to kill (and I did say kill) our freedom. Strange that I agree with the ACLU on this. Don’t let this go any further.

    Report Post »  
  • milo
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:05pm

    Giving one branch of government ANY power that is not checked by another, is definitely NOT what the fathers intended.
    No judicial review, I don’t think so. Never.

    Report Post »  
    • MrButcher
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:04pm

      cheers.

      no “kill switch” on communications EVER!!

      (note: the use of the “kill switch” in Egypt isn’t working out too well is it?)

      Report Post » MrButcher  
  • ritetrack
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:05pm

    obama… don’t even try it…

    don’t even ponder it… DEAR GOD IN HEAVEN HELP OBAMA…. if this man ever tries to ‘silence our voices’…. GOD IN HEAVEN HELP HIM…… GOD HELP HIM…..

    beck is right… the protests and the violence will be coming to America next….what are we going to do with “IT”……. it is coming to a theater near you…. the sad truth is that it will not be an academy award winning feature film…. the very sad truth is that it will be “REAL LIFE”…. AMERICA IS NEXT….AMERICA WILL STAND OR FALL….. IT TRULY IS OUR CHOICE…..VOTE NOW!!!!

    Report Post » ritetrack  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:33pm

      Whether you want it or not- whether you expect it or not- whether you are in denial or not- “IT” just might find its way into your neighborhood. Look at the people living in Cairo. They sit in their homes (they are not involved in the protests) worried about how to get food, how to protect their food from looters, how to protect their families. The police are basically nonexistent.

      This should tell you that you need to be prepared- food and protection. Regardless of where you stand on world events or whether or not you wish to be involved. At some point you will be MADE to be involved in one form or another. At least, that’s how I assess “IT”

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • Thatsitivehadenough
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 9:40pm

      You are both right.

      Report Post » Thatsitivehadenough  
  • azmomof6
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:03pm

    During an emergency, that’s when we most need communication! This is not to protect citizens; it’s a way to make things more difficult for us to respond unanimously to a bad situation the government might put us through.

    Report Post »  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:22pm

      I know- I keep thinking about how the Egyptians were able to communicate and organize to the scale they did. It was done through the Mosques- very clever. I lived in the Middle East for two years and am well aware of how effective a tool this form of social networking can be.

      Should our government shut down our lines of communication to prevent decent or whatever, it would be difficult to collaborate on anything. I also keep thinking about the book “One Second After.” An excellent and provocative read.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
  • Steve Martin
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:02pm

    This is the most intrussive thing they have come up with yet.

    Report Post » Steve Martin  
    • EP46
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:14pm

      No, this is just follow up. The most intrusive was the ‘trial’ that caused the Market Crash. and lost people’s retirement funds….add to that the ‘planned’ housing crisis….had make sure they not only took away middle class retirement funds, but also had to make sure people’s homes were devalued. This has been a step by step approach for a long long time by the groups who want to bring down our economy. Just throw in 30 days of no internet in the 21st century and they will have us right where they want us , then obama can crown himself dictator and we will not have an election in 2012. Everything that has been done is to destroy the middle class because that is the ‘enemy’ the people who are self sufficient. They cannot have that, we must all be brought to our knees. Then they can ‘save us’ and let everyone live on $15 a month handed out by the government.

      Report Post »  
  • ZoLtAr0
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:01pm

    Just too much power.. We can see how Egypt abused it.

    Report Post »  
  • Chicago Ray
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:01pm

    ““The surprising thing isn’t that a corrupt, authoritarian regime would launch this kind of state-sponsored denial off service attack on its own citizens.”

    What regime are the talking about there? The Obama or Mubarek regime? Both.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • Highland
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:05pm

      “…grant the President of the United States the power to pull the plug on the country’s internet access in a declared ‘emergency’” — is that anything like, “Never let a crisis go to waste”?

      Report Post » Highland  
  • parmajohn
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:01pm

    Besides Sen. Collins who else is on this “Panel”??????

    Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:50pm

      Good Question … how many more RINO’s And DEMS … ?

      Report Post »  
    • troyvar
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 4:01pm

      Everyone in that committee who gave the ok needs to be outed as a subversive and traitor to America.

      Report Post » troyvar  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 4:09pm

      @ PARMAJOHN See OKIERON’S post above..He has listed a website that gives the whole bunches names..I wrote them all down so I can let my reps know that this had better not be passed..

      Report Post »  
  • J.C. McGlynn
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:59pm

    Corruption at the highest level. The moment this was mentioned knew it was coming. Didn’t learn a damn thing from Egypt.

    Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
  • AzDebi
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:57pm

    Here we go!

    Report Post » AzDebi  
    • Lana40
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:29pm

      My 16 yr old said, ‘Obama wants to kill the internet, he’ll have millions of Teenagers in his face!!!’ All of the adults can just sit back and watch the fireworks. :)

      Report Post » Lana40  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:57pm

      @LANA40 I‘d love to see Oblamer’s face when he has to face ALL the teens in the U S both guys and gals on this one…

      Report Post »  
  • matt708
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:57pm

    Homeland security can’t wipe their own arses and we are going to give them the ability to shut down the internet. Not in this lifetime

    Report Post »  
    • The1stRichard
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:38pm

      Can’t

      Homeland security cannot shut down the internet because it is a distributed network, they may only block some forms of access. Network connections can be anything from short wave radios to land lines. The real problem is there are few of us that have the skills to create networks from nothing as most are too reliant on their gadgets to get on the net.

      Report Post » The1stRichard  
  • matt708
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:56pm

    Collins has to go , Can’t we have elections in her home state next week to vote her out. Biggest RINO in Washington

    Report Post »  
    • joan k
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:05pm

      Both Maine Senators need to get booted out of office. Citizens of Maine wake up!

      Report Post » joan k  
    • ofallon
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:32pm

      Time for Maine to step up to the plate and vote this woman OUT!

      Report Post »  
    • streetrodder
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:40pm

      Take Olympia Snow along with her. (RINO)

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:49pm

      And McCain and LIndsey Grahamnesty!

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 4:05pm

      @ MATT708 Check out the list that OKIERON posted above.. All the usual RHINOS and Democraps, that want to curtail our freedom of speech are on it..

      Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:57pm

      And Scott Brown and Lieberman

      Report Post » booger71  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:12pm

      Yes! Shame on the people of Maine for exercising their right to elect their own public officials! Didn’t they get the memo that said they must adopt Tea Party dogma? I mean really. What is democracy coming to when a moderate state elects moderate representatives that serve their constituencies?

      Report Post »  
    • I am 'We the People
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 12:16am

      Marxists are against america‘s ’dogma’, not just the tea party standards.

      Report Post » I am 'We the People  
    • psst
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 10:14am

      Susan and Olympia. The Thelma and Louise RINO’s.
      But!! Don‘t blame these RINO’s, they are in their positions because the citizens of Maine want’s them there. After-all, this IS the N E. bastion of liberalism/socialism./communism
      The Left Coast and the NE have always preferred socialist/leftist pols that reflect the ideologies of their citizens,though the Left Coast goes one step further.They want outright marxists. They don’t watered-down communists.
      In the NE. leftist republican (aka RINO’s)are called conservatives. Here in the South we call them little communist and the dems big communists..

      Report Post »  
  • DVT
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:56pm

    LOL thats rich what does Cyberspace need protecting from? However WE THE PEOPLE need protections from power hungry douchebags…Thank GOD we have the CONSTITUTION!

    Report Post »  
    • bullcrapbuster
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:20pm

      The left wing aclu can see that the switch could hamper coordination of the left ing riots when they start here at home. The right see it the same way as they try to organize their defence..

      Report Post » bullcrapbuster  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:35pm

      Right now cyberspace needs protection from politicians who want to control it as their own propaganda machine. Doesn’t matter which party controls the White House at the time the kill switch is flipped, freedom of speech will be stolen from us all. Unless, of course, if America has fallen into the hands of a dictator, then you don’t need a kill switch.

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:23pm

      Just think of it, we rely nowdays so heavily on the information of the internet and the uninterupted flow of banking, bill paying, etc. just disrupting it for the 30-days will allow all manner of events to happen without any notice being made.

      One person having too much power on their hands, period.

      He who has the control, has the power.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • royalstar
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 7:30pm

      This all just a ploy and is a means to an end. One step closer to full control. The government already has the ability to shut down anything they want. Why would they want it in writing except to further their position to sensor citizens and monitor without including the CIA or FBI. The independent panel could do it to spy and stragegize against media info. etc.or cripple business or any adversary they chose to. It has This bill has to be stopped.

      Report Post »  
    • troyvar
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 8:01pm

      I think they, the ACLU, is covering their butts in case a far right winger should ascend the throne. Funny how the left wouldn’t mind this under a Democrat regime, but would absolutly explode if this had happened under Bush. Personally, I will fight to the end, any party who would so defile the Constitution.

      Report Post » troyvar  
    • langoley
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 10:00pm

      One BIG difference between the US and Egypt,they have a serious gun ban there,if there were riots here and people “looting” homes in the night,the homes wouldn’t be protected by “young men with sticks and razors”.Obama was saying today that they should turn back on the internet in Egypt,just as he is trying to set up his control over us,how long are we going to sit by and “let this slide”without voicing our opinion,QUIETLY as we did last year?I am a firm believer in non-violence as GOD and Glen teaches us to be but I am afraid that before it is all said and done,there will be times that will “try mens souls” and things WILL get out of hand,if this happens,god help us all.

      Report Post »  
  • Strife
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:56pm

    Wow… I agree with the ACLU… weird…

    Report Post » Strife  
    • Chicago Ray
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:02pm

      Well at one time (the first few months) the ACLU actually cared about US civil liberty.

      One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • GONESURFING
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:09pm

      It does seem strange these days when the ACLU gets it right on occasion. But part of this is to protect the internet system when there is a cyber-attack from enemies of America. There must be more to this story.

      Report Post » GONESURFING  
    • J.C. McGlynn
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:10pm

      See what happens when the ACLU’s Freedom of Speech is threatened. Now they are thinking like us regular people.

      Report Post » J.C. McGlynn  
    • AzDebi
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:23pm

      This is NOT THE END…this is the BEGINNING! They know not what they do!

      Report Post » AzDebi  
    • cheezwhiz
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:36pm

      The internet kill- tech being used in Egypt is from NARUS of Sunnyvale CA
      Wonder if ACLU types will ever go to shout slogans outside their office, like they used to do for AT&T , when AT&T was involved with terrorist monitering .

      Report Post » cheezwhiz  
    • BJC
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:36pm

      Wonder if you’ll be able to with-draw from banks or do any banking transactions if they hit the kill switch? Thirty days is a long time. Would sorta throw things into “CHAOS”.

      Of course President Chaos wouldn’t have a problem with that.

      Report Post »  
    • Hoosier Daddy
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:45pm

      ACLU as an ally? I certainly can’t say this enemy of my enemy is my friend, but any port in a storm, I guess.

      Report Post » Hoosier Daddy  
    • CatB
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:47pm

      When is Susan Collins going to “admit” she is a Democrat!

      Report Post »  
    • DagneyT
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:53pm

      Will the people of her state please vote Susan Collins out of our misery?

      As much grief as I give the ACLU, they do have a point for a change. Now is the time for the new House leadership to bring Cass Sunstein, and others in the regime in front of a televised hearing to answer for the crimes of trying to make Congress a thing of the past. The GOP need to collectively “grow a pair” before the questioning begins. I want to hear some hard questioning into what these so-called czars have been up to, and I want Rep. Alan West to begin the questioning. I know he won’t wimp out!

      Report Post » DagneyT  
    • Recondo Billy
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:00pm

      I know…I feel oily..

      Report Post » Recondo Billy  
    • BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:12pm

      Has hell frozen over? I swore that hell would freeze over before I’d ever agree with the ACLU on anything! That said- I can not conceive of one possible example where an internet kill switch would benefit ANYONE but the elites and protect their PRECIOUS agenda.

      Report Post » BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:28pm

      When I first heard about Egypt shutting down the internet, I wondered how long it would take people to make the connection with what Obama is trying to do.
      Maybe what’s happening in Egypt will wake people up here to how Obama and progressives are trying to control the internet, media, and personal commuication…….I won’t get my hopes up though!

      WAY TO GO BLAZE!!!

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • davecoolworld
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:34pm

      The moment the “kill switch” is the thrown is the exact moment the New American Revolution will have begun.

      To all Obama supporters, please, take an objective look at what is happening. All politics aside, we are creating a Dictatorship here. I don’t care if this a “bi-partisan” effort or not, they are wrong and this is the most dangerous time for OUR Union since the last Revolution. Even the ACLU is afraid of what this means. Come on, the ACLU, they are as liberal as they come! Please take off the rose colored glasses and take an honest look at what this means. We MUST ALL come together before it is too late!

      We may not make it to the next election before this all blows up in OUR faces.

      Report Post » davecoolworld  
    • HappyStretchedThin
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:36pm

      ACLU = the stopped clock that’s right 2 times per day.

      Report Post » HappyStretchedThin  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:43pm

      Mubarek probably claimed that he had a “cyber emergency” before he pulled the internet “kill” switch.

      Report Post »  
    • DMcPher316
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:43pm

      This is very dangerous territory. It’s like letting the government have control of the electicity you use. They will tell us “it’s for your own good” when they see a reason to do it. No, this can not be allowed to stand. We must write and tell our reps to forget about it. Not to mention the addition of a new government ageny, we all know how much we can afford that.

      Report Post »  
    • taebaggranny
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:48pm

      @ STRIFE I can’t believe that I actually agree with the ACLU on something… Must be something I ate!!!

      Report Post »  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 3:55pm

      CatB, she and Olympia Snowe.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • historyguy48
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 4:05pm

      Yes there is a lot more to this story. It is imperative that the ones that own the country be able to control the media entirely. Information, and the ability to communicate must be removed for any coup to be successful.
      Part 6 of 7 will be shortly in place.
      Snow, progressive (marxist) republican from Maine. What a surprise! Not.

      Report Post » historyguy48  
    • John 1776
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 4:23pm

      What are we getting ready to hide???? Businesses and citizens already can “disconnect” if need be by pulling a simple plug. Why do we need a government agency to do it?? For our protection??? Get real, this is about killing communications within and leaving the country!

      Report Post » John 1776  
    • EP46
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:01pm

      Good to have food and supplies. Pull the kill switch, no money….no ATM’s , no deposits. No international banking….obama has found the perfect tool to destroy us in 30 days or less.

      Report Post »  
    • dr_funk
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:04pm

      “Egyptians faced a nation-wide blackout designed to curtail widespread government protests”

      This isn’t about cybersecurity. Cyberspace is already secure.

      This is about putting one of the last pieces into place to allow for the government to seize total control. Anyone who believes otherwise is a f****** moron. The ONLY way to stop a last final seizure of our liberties is to communicate with other dissidents via the internet. They realize that we can all use encryption to secure our messages, so the only way to halt communication/plotting amongst ourselves is to pull the plug on the internet alltogether.

      The biggest obstacle to totalitarian rule is the free flow of information. CALL YOUR REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS TODAY AND DEMAND THEY PUT A STOP TO THIS ACT OF EVIL!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Caniac Steve
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:13pm

      Yes it is weird and a cow stall full of “fertilizer” too!!

      Report Post » Caniac Steve  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:20pm

      @Strife

      Never thought I would see the day the ACLU does something good, and never thought either that I would actually AGREE with them. This power the bill would give to the President, in addition to the fact the courts could not rule upon it, or overturn the ‘kill switch’ if engaged, is frightening power held in the hands of one unaccountable person.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • booger71
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 5:56pm

      Will not pass the House

      Report Post » booger71  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:08pm

      It‘s no surprise that many of you don’t feel that you agree with the ACLU very often. After all, the ACLU defends the Constitution impartially, and you folks just really make things up on a case-by-case basis.

      Report Post »  
    • FoundersRedPill
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:15pm

      hugo chaves would approve, but would wonder why the last congress wouldnt just give obama the power to dictate for the next two years. Im no IT expert, but if they shut off internet will I still be able to print from laptop through the home wireless network?, lol.

      Report Post » FoundersRedPill  
    • 101
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:33pm

      The president/government doesn’t have the authority to disconnect the internet and if he ever gain that dictatorship then America is no longer “America” when SHTF!

      Our US hypocritical government “Hillary” just demanded Egypt turn the internet back on and quit further suppressing the people. WTF!

      Report Post »  
    • fivebyfive
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:45pm

      having a RINO supporting a bill IS NOT BIPARTISAN

      Report Post » fivebyfive  
    • mrdbcooper
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 6:46pm

      how do you protect the asset by killing it?
      how stupid do they think we are?????????????????????????????????

      Report Post » mrdbcooper  
    • suttonea76
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 7:24pm

      I wonder if idiot government officials on any side would understand the ECONOMIC implications this would put on us and the rest of the world. Since we house other country’s data traffic in addition to our own, commerce would stop instantaneously and the market would plunge to depths never seen if a “reason” was given to pull the plug. I can‘t think of one possible reason that we would ever need to kill internet traffic for 30 f’n days. We house the most intensive security devices online to filter and block any type of traffic if our goal was to limit cyber attacks. Once again, government is not thinking before reacting and their quick the speak and slow to think mantra is causing alarm within our own country. Our smartest technological people in this country are probably laughing and crying at the same time at the notion this could become reality. I am now starting to understand those abroad who want new government and leaders this that stench of impropriety is starting to linger over here. If our House or Senate approves this, I feel we should put an arse whoopin on each and every one of them who voted for it. This straight ****** me off as I am a telecom analyst who knows how vastly important and crucial our infrastructure is to all facets of business.

      Report Post » suttonea76  
    • kryptonite
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 8:41pm

      Why would the ACLU trust Obama? Tyrants have been known to suffer bouts of paranoia. Stalin erased Trotsky, and Castro “deleted” Che.

      Report Post »  
    • planeboy
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 9:26pm

      Oh and yet OUR empty suit is asking them to turn it back on. WOW what he wants to take away from US is what he wants restored to them. Does anyone with one brain cell not see what’s going on here. This is a guy who is out to totallay destrory this country ala in the back pocket of Soros.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 12:00am

      AzDebi
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 2:23pm
      “This is NOT THE END…this is the BEGINNING! They know not what they do!”

      And what makes them so dangerous is… They ‘think’ they know exactly what they are doing.

      Report Post »  
    • NE Cowboy
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 1:02am

      What the hells wrong with some of you??? You ARE all for a bill that will absolutely take away the right to free speach????? Wow, we really are in trouble!!!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • TruthTalker
    Posted on January 29, 2011 at 1:54pm

    Yup, part of the bigger plan…

    Report Post »  
    • Nick84
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 7:31pm

      Section 706 of the Communications Act of 1934 provides nearly unchecked authority to the President to
      “cause the closing of any facility or station for wire communication” and “authorize the use of control of any such
      facility or station” by the Federal government. Exercise of the authority requires no advance notification to
      Congress and can be authorized if the President proclaims that “a state or threat of war” exists. The authority can
      be exercised for up to six months after the “state or threat of war” has expired.

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 7:42pm

      Cut it off and people will not be in front of their computers protesting they will be at the White House. I think they better rethink this in all seriousness…You saw how well that all worked out in Egypt…kinda pissed a few people off.

      Report Post »  
    • P C BE DAMNED
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 7:44pm

      What kind of emergency requires our rights to be taken. We are to fight for our freedom not set up measures to take them away. I don’t like anyone planning to remove my ability to communicate. These sons of Bitc.es will scream for communications when their sorry ass is on the line and they need to call for a cess fire and there is no one to talk to.
      Stop it as you are asking for terrible things to come on you. We will not be like the Egyptians when we let loose. There will be hell to pay when we come for the Traitors to this Constitution.

      Report Post » P C BE DAMNED  
    • ozz
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 7:45pm

      This MUST BE STOPPED!!

      Report Post » ozz  
    • 123gone
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 8:09pm

      If the ACLU is against it, them I am damn well for it.

      Report Post »  
    • crackerone
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 8:23pm

      Lean forward! Won’t hurt a bit!

      Report Post »  
    • happyboy
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 9:08pm

      GO AHEAD AND MAKE OUR DAY.

      2011 will be the year the STARS begin falling off of the US FLAG. Shutting down the internet may result in most of them falling off.

      Report Post »  
    • My Sacred Honor
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 9:37pm

      Actually, in this case, if the ACLU is against it then I am REALLY against it. As if I weren’t before. This is such a dangerous power for the POTUS to have, simply because there is no “check and balance’ for it. Make it worthy of IMMEDIATE judicial review, and even approval (via subpena or warrent) and i don’t mind. There may be a case where a foriegn contry (China, North Korea) launch such a massive cyber attack on say…the Fed…or the Pentagon, that a plug pull would be required to save us. Think this through, folks and consider the whole picture folks. Don’t be paranoid “DIDJA SEE THAT!!! OMG!!!” types. Always consider.
      And if the POTUS unplugs me during a raid on World of Warcraft, I’m gonna be pissed.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • CharlesMartel
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 10:02pm

      Hopefully, Hosni Mubarak killed this legislation with his use of the Egyptian Internet killswitch.

      Report Post » CharlesMartel  
    • hanksivad
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 10:39pm

      Don’t forget FDR was the president that had this leg. passed. It helped move along the progressive agenda.

       
    • dannyvabchva
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 10:48pm

      The first step on a slippery slop.

      Report Post »  
    • DisillusionedDaily
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 10:51pm

      After this is passed they will get a new law to allow them to pull the plug on TV and radio. The Socialist Paradise so strongly desired by the Progressives is just around the corner. When they start forming a Federal Police Force, (read: arming FEMA), the end of liberty is at hand. The rioting will start soon after and will be quelled by the use of massive force.

      “he very first essential for success is a perpetually constant and regular employment of violence.”
      Adolf Hitler

      Report Post » DisillusionedDaily  
    • exdem
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 11:31pm

      Susan Collins is a Progressive RINO. She has voted with the dems on Obamacare , DADT and etc… They are stealing our money,our childrens money and chipping away at our freedom more and more each day. They claim to be whichever party that will get them elected and then go to Washington and STEAL and LIE !!! The Tea Party is the only chance we have at keeping them honest and neither party wants them to be credible because it will kill their con game. The rebuplicans are not standing behind Bachmann and Palin. They are thrusting another RINO at us in the form of Romney. We must stop this insanity. They work for us, and have no right to pass legislation that gives them the power to shut down our communication. VOTE THEM OUT

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 29, 2011 at 11:55pm

      Maine Sen. Susan Collins gives us yet another reason to hate her! As far as I‘m concerned she’s as bad as the Marxists we have running around the White House.

      Report Post »  
    • click4cheapandeasyweb
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 12:02am

      Quick question… It’s been a whole week now with no Keith Olbermann. Has anyone noticed?

      Report Post »  
    • Jackers
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 8:35am

      Why is it that whenever our members of Congress consider “security threats,” it’s always aimed at the American people rather than the ones actually doing the threatening?

      What right does our government have to consider such a notion as this Internet Kill Switch? Where is it specified in our Constitution giving such rights to our members of Congress?

      Our Federal Government is out of control, and We the People must reign it back in… Remember these things in 2012…

      Report Post » Jackers  
    • oldoldtimer
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 10:01am

      Not only does it give the POTUS cut off power it also excludes judicial review. In other words you can not sue to make the gov’t turn it back on. There is a lot of bills that give the POTUS powers that have the no judicial review clause. Now why would they do that? It would be like Obamacare excluding anyone suing to stop it or chalange it.
      How many know that Wilson shut down radio stations that broadcat any thing against his admin during WWI? He also shut down newspapers and censored free speech.
      This has absolutely nothing to do with cyber security. It is to allow the progressives to silence any opposition when they start their take over. Just look at the info that would never be known except for the internet. Look at the things MSM blocks and lies about but we know the truth because of the internet. Can you imagine what the news would be like if they shut down the internet and Fox? We would never hear the truth again. Just Obamas left wing socalism.

      Report Post »  
    • mdlwoods
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 10:05am

      To Crackerbone: In this case, bend over some more, it won’t hurt at all!

      Report Post » mdlwoods  
    • Marcobob69
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 10:49am

      Big Brother in action! To hell with the Freedom of Speech, just a major inconvenience for the politicians anyways. What else would you expect from people that would rather use the Constitution for a piece of “toilet paper” than for it’s intended use! Can you say “nanny state”??? Kill switch on the internet. Is that from the mind of one Cass Sundstein??? Glenn is correct in saying he is the “most dangerous man in the country”, just check out all the new “regulations” we have been given to help in the “betterment of our lives”. Sickening! More government intrusion into our lives IS NOT NEEDED! If this doesn’t WAKE YOUR ASSES UP, WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE??? Look at what is occurring in Egypt and ask yourself how long will it be until the people are in the streets of WASHINGTON! NO DAMN KILL SWITCH ON THE INTERNET OR ANYWHERE ELSE!!! Let the people BE the people!

      Report Post »  
    • No1YaKnow
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 11:56am

      123Gone–bad stance to take. I don’t care for the ACLU in many cases, but they actually are right to stand against this one. This is another measure to give sweeping powers to ONE MAN. As for Collins–if there are actually Republicans voting for her in her state–SHAME ON YOU. It has been obvious for a long time she is NOT a Republican. Same for fence rider Lieberman. These two should be challenged for their blatant attempt to violate the constitution.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • richard the lion-hearted
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 1:11pm

      This is so sickening to me, just after the “president”, traitor, evil self-absorbed idiot scolds Egypt on their shutting down of the internet not even two days prior on national television. This is the current best example of just how corrupt the U.S. government is, and remember it’s a republican (Susan Collins, R-Maine), pushing this measure along with Droopy Dog Liebermann. Fight for the Constitution, throw out ALL of Washington’s politicians, they are ALL corrupt, even the current ‘new’ republicans who do not take the Tea Party movement to heart and it’s founding principles.

      Report Post » richard the lion-hearted  
    • snuss
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 5:01pm

      Anyone that thinks any federal government in the USA should have ability/authority to cut communications by this or any future president is out of their mind.

      Don’t forget the clause preventing legal appeal.

      Sens. Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have absolutely no comprehension of the US Constitution or American freedom is all about.

      A RINO an socialist demokrat … who would have ever guessed?

      Report Post »  
    • Kaen
      Posted on January 30, 2011 at 7:18pm

      Unfortunately…most Americans won‘t wake up until it’s too late…

      http://explodingpuppy.blogspot.com/

      opinions blog…not for the timid nor “Politically Correct”

      Report Post » Kaen  
    • DaytonConserve
      Posted on January 31, 2011 at 5:46am

      Time to dust off the old spark gap.

      Report Post »  
    • UPSETVET
      Posted on January 31, 2011 at 6:03am

      This past weekend I was wondering why the media was giving so much coverage to the problems in Egypt, now I know. We need to always watch the other hand. Obama‘s cronies are trying to use the riots against the government in Egypt to tighten the screws and control what the American people can and can’t have access to on the internet. Freedom of speech and the press should be extended to the internet since the majority of Americans get their daily news from internet sources. Control the internet and you control the news and critical information. The bill to give the POTUS authority to just “flip a switch” and cut off all internet access in the USA is unconstitutional and should not be approved by the Congress and Senate. All Americans had better watch out because BIG BROTHER is watching us 24/7 .

      Report Post »  
    • Intelligentlydesigned7
      Posted on January 31, 2011 at 9:08am

      Amen Brother,

      @NICK84
      Horrifying, if what you posted is true and accurate, they don’t need any new legislation to “kill” the internet.

      As for the rest of this terrible new idea, they say that it will only be used in emergencies and for “critical infrastructure”. As if any legislation passed recently provides specifics protecting the rights of citizens. These people are unchecked and out of control.

      Report Post »  
    • jackrorabbit
      Posted on January 31, 2011 at 9:57am

      No, Nein, Nyet, Non, how many ways can we say no? I think I know why the admin has been yelling at Egypt about doing this. Egypt stole Obama’s thunder and gave away the trick too early.

      Report Post »  
    • firstamend
      Posted on January 31, 2011 at 11:07am

      Another agency to be created under the Obama administration.. say it ain’t so…

      Report Post »  
    • Curioso
      Posted on January 31, 2011 at 12:12pm

      I for one have know idea what kind of emergency would require the shutting down of the internet. It would be a 1st amendment issue blocking free speech for one. Can somebody give me a scenario where stopping communications is a priority. If they have a kill switch for the internet then all cell phones and all telephones would not work even if it is an old P O T S line because they are routed through the internet also.
      Most television services travel via an internet connection at one time or another so a kill switch for the internet would stop most forms of communications.
      The only thing that would still work is CB Radio and Short Wave Radio and maybe local radio and television broadcasts over the air but then again there signals probably travel via the internet to the broadcast tower.
      Yep that is just what we need a way for one person to be able to stop us from communicating with each other.

      Report Post »  
    • naed5048
      Posted on February 1, 2011 at 3:19am

      come on does this really suprise anybody? This is what Qbama has always been after…Remember? CHANGE……To the people that will vote for him in 2012…….needs to chang addresses…

      Report Post »  
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