SOPA, Act II (aka CISPA)

Remember SOPA? That bill was killed, only to be re-incarnated shortly after as CISPA, the Cyber Information Sharing and Protection Act. The Electronic Frontier Foundation describes the bill:

CISPA would have technology companies, like video game systems, internet service providers (ISPs) and more share your use of technology with the Government under the guise of cyber security.  It’s George Orwell’s classic book 1984 right here, right now.

Yesterday, the House amended the bill, and basically lied about the amendments:

CISPA allowed the government to use information for “cybersecurity” or “national security” purposes. Those purposes have not been limited or removed. Instead, three more valid uses have been added: investigation and prosecution of cybersecurity crime, protection of individuals, and protection of children.

…

Basically, the amendment closes a loophole but opens a door. It takes away some of the language that allows overreach of the bill, but then explicitly endorses the exact things people were worried the government would do with that language—as in, start using the data to investigate and build cases against American citizens without regard for the laws that would normally protect their privacy.

Is that an improvement? CISPA would now grant the government less vague power, which is good, but would also grant it brand new specific powers, which is bad and frankly pretty insulting.

CISPA abruptly passed a day ahead of schedule, 248-168. Quite shockingly, our very own conservative freshmen heroes were party to this surveillance bill:

• Jeff Duncan
• Trey Gowdy
• Mick Mulvaney
• Tim Scott
• Joe Wilson

What gives??

Jeff Duncan defended the bill on Facebook:

(Note: you should be wary when a politician tries to “explain it to you.” More often than not, they’re either spinning the facts, or outright lying. Do your own research and be prepared to hold even the “good” guys accountable if they stray. Verify, then trust!)

To become law, CISPA must now pass the Senate and be signed by Obama, who may veto the bill. Wanna bet?