It was months back in 2012 when I wrote an article about SOPA and PIPA and how it could potentially change the way we use the internet. Fast forward to today and the news that the latest attempt (and one that is more corrupt then the last) by the US Government’s attempt to control the web is in full force. The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, better known as CISPA is now on the forefront and those who have followed this nonsense from day 1 are trying to spread their word about the bill.
It wasn’t long ago that a coalition of internet activists and companies opposed a Hollywood sponsored attempt (SOPA) to control the web when they warned Government that any future attempts to push through such garbage would be met with similar fashion. Yet, as we all know this is and will continue to be a Government that doesn’t care about it’s citizens…instead one more concerned about the almighty dollar.
CISPA In A Nutshell
So you might be wondering what CISPA is and how it effects you. It’s been said that the bill aims to encourage intelligence sharing. The bill encourages both companies and individuals to become more forthcoming by offering exemption from any civil and criminal liability when they are gathering information and sharing data on potential cyber threats. But as critics have already pointed out that basically means it will allow companies and corporations to spy on Internet users. As it’s written it would allow for your Internet Service Provider to block any allegedly infringing transfers and report any pirating on your part to a variety of organizations.
In my eyes thats a pretty distinct invasion of privacy and needless to say the internet masses have become a little nervous. Rightly so.
The problem with all this is how vague the description of the bill is. The purpose of it is said to be for “cybersecurity” and to help track down all the baddies out there but let’s face it, the Government is just as interested in tracking down the baddies as it is to lining it’s pocket by helping to please those same corporations who are suing kids and seniors for no real reason. CISPA is only going to allow them to spiral this out of control. Companies will be allowed to spy on internet users and then turn around and share the data with third party companies and Government agencies as long as it’s deemed these privacy violations are needed to protect the country.
Thats a whole lot of grey area to cover is it not?
This isn’t SOPA
While SOPA was focused more on the goal of shutting down copyright infringement based websites CISPA aims to take target at not only copyright infringers but individual users on the internet with no repercussion possible.
It’s safe to say at this point in time that no one is fully aware of how this will be used but I think it’s pretty obvious as to where this is headed and people are worried. They should be as this is just another one of those serious issues facing our freedom and right to privacy.
If CISPA passes there will be no restrictions on what can be collected and how it’s used.
Companies like Google, Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft etc could potentially intercept all of your emails and text messages, read them and send copies to one another or to the government potentially landing you in hot water.
Be Warned
As of this writing the U.S House of Representatives has voted to approve CISPA despite a veto threat from President Barack Obama who has expressed his concerns about the danger of CISPA.
Now that it has passed the next stop will be in the Senate. Last year it was killed but it’s safe to say we may not be as fortunate again and don’t expect the President to follow through on his promise of a veto if passed. Obama has made many civil liberty vows that were later broke or never followed through on.
While tragic and heartfelt throughout the world this past weeks bombing in Boston will surely have an effect on this as Congress will try to sway the public and the vote that “We need to do something to tighten security so this never happens again”. The fear alone of what’s happened in Boston and Texas could make it easier for CISPA to pass this time.
Once again it will be up to us and even still that may not be enough to stop it from passing.
Regardless one needs to contact your local senator to discuss and show you oppose this bill. If you value any semblance of having privacy on the internet in a world that is becoming more and more a digital one you need to act today.
You may not be American but rest assured that if this bill passes an abundance of similar laws and bills will surely follow.
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