[Chapter-delegates] ISOC Statement on CISPA

[Fred Baker]

On May 4, 2012, at 8:40 AM, Markus Kummer wrote:
> Quote: The Internet Society (ISOC) is concerned about legislation currently under consideration in the United States.  The proposed Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) was passed last week by the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate. The bill aims to provide more effective channels of communication across different federal agencies and private entities in relation to online threats. While the Internet Society recognizes the need for national security, it is concerned about the potentially broad scope of CISPA and the consequent impact this legislation might have on users' rights, especially in relation to online privacy. We are also concerned that the draft bill might bypass existing legal and private contractual obligations to protect Internet users' privacy, and lacks judicial oversight. Furthermore, placing burdensome security roles on intermediaries may also, as an unintended consequence, have a negative impact on innovation, service delivery, and, ultimately, future investment and economic growth.
> 
> The Internet Society expresses its hope that the U.S. Senate will revise the current text and work to address privacy considerations and protect citizens' rights and civil liberties in any future cybersecurity legislation. Unquote.

Speaking for myself (an individual member unaffiliated with a chapter), I think the wording is good. I'll support Olivier Crepin-Leblond's comments on the international effect; assuming we consider the US to be a bastion of freedom and righteousness (I'm told that some might dispute that), any legislation that limits that is an invitation for other countries to do so as well, which can have "interesting" ramifications.