Effective nationalization of both public and private networks will be the end result of this. Under powers granted by this proposed law, the feds could dictate terms to any company even minimally connected to the internet, all in the name of security. They could and would demand unfettered and unmonitored access to a company's network, like they do today with the telecoms and ISPs. All it will take is the first "national cyber emergency", which will somehow become the permanent state of affairs, just like "Condition Orange". Once the government takes a power, they never relinquish it. And the effects spread far beyond simple technology, because security is a combination of technology, social interaction, and management policy. The cybersecurity cops would in essence have the ability to dictate anything that they felt contributed to security, from technology choices to HIRING, FIRING, and MONITORING private sector employees. Just like they do today in defense contractors, the US government becomes the hidden judge and jury for any employee action.
Finally, militarization of the internet implies not only control by the government in all aspects, but also the concepts of acceptable risks and collateral damage. In a "cyberwar" setting, who decides the risks of using a weapon that could cause collateral damage to our own networks, or even just to simply isolate or "bunker" some system that affects the everyday lives of all citizens?
The US has long operated on the idea that even critical parts of the infrastructure like utilities are owned and operated by private companies. But the government is continually expanding their day-to-day control over private companies with convoluted regulations. Now this bill creates a completely new level of authoritarian control, that of ?sole, unreviewable discretion?. In other words, unlimited dictatorial power.
The best of ZDNet, delivered
ZDNet Newsletters
Get the best of ZDNet delivered straight to your inbox
