Even with the recent events in Egypt the discussion regarding an internet kill switch is returning to the floor of Congress.
The legislation, which would grant US President Barack Obama powers to seize control of and even shut down the internet, would soon be reintroduced to a senate committee, Wired.com reported.
Why would the government need the power to shutdown the ability to openly exchange information world wide? The only reason to shutdown the internet is to stifle dissenters, prohibit assembly, and stop communications regarding unlawful acts by the government. The claims of this necessity because of a possible cyber-emergency are total bull crap.
By far the best line of the article though was this:
Senator Susan Collins, a co-sponsor of the bill, said that unlike in Egypt, where the government was using its powers to quell dissent by shutting down the internet, it would not.
Let me translate that for everyone, “Sure, some might use it for bad, but come on, you can trust us, we’re cool.” This from the same government who confiscated weapons from civilians after Katrina. This from the same government that promised Social Security numbers would not be used as a universal identifier. It can be very succinctly put, “Sure you can trust the government, just ask an Indian.” Any government will do whatever it can get away with. When the free exchange of information is prevented, they can get away with most anything.
Governments and leaders that gain power, rarely ever relinquish it or let it go. This power would have serious detrimental effects, especially since more and more of our information flow is over the internet. Many get their news from the internet, watch TV over the net, and even run their phone service over the net. It would shove people into the dark, at which point the government can also control what information people are allowed to see. Egypt is the shining example of why the government absolutely should NEVER be allowed this power.
TMM is the owner, editor, and principal author at The Minuteman, a competitive shooter, and staff member for Boomershoot. Even in his free time he’s merging his love and knowledge of computers and technology with his love of firearms.
Many know his private name and information however due to the current political climate, many are distancing themselves due to the abandonment of Due Process.