When we first started investigating the Internet Kill Switch Bill, we thought it was humorous that it was being reintroduced shortly after the Egyptian government killed the Internet there. Now, to fight the criticism, several tweaks and adjustments have been made, including changing the name from the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act to the Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act. We’re still not impressed. According to Michelle Richardson, legislative counsel for the ACLU, ”It still gives the president incredible authority to interfere with Internet communications.”…

There are certain things, particularly in politics and technology, that seem to make sense on the surface. Take, for instance, the rejuvenated legislation they’re considering putting back on the table that would grant the President of the United States the power to “kill” the Internet in times of extreme crisis. Makes sense, right? “Imminent cyber attacks,” as they’re described by Homeland Security, would be the triggering event to initiate a shut down. The example used is a cyber attack on the Hoover Dam that would open the gates without authorization. In such a case, the President would…