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White House official reiterates president's opposition to Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act ahead of vote
A senior Obama administration official has stressed the White House's opposition to a controversial cybersecurity bill ahead of a vote in the House of Representatives later this week.
The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (Cispa) is intended to facilitate sharing of information on online threats across different federal agencies and private companies. It has been criticised by both activists and politicians of both Democrats and Republicans for vague wording and insufficient safeguards.
Ahead of the bill coming in front of the House of Representatives alongside three other cybersecurity bills, Alec Ross, a senior adviser for innovation to Hillary Clinton, reiterated the administration's opposition to the proposals in more explicit language than previous White House statements.
"The Obama administration opposes Cispa," he told the Guardian. "The president has called for comprehensive cybersecurity legislation. There is absolutely a need for comprehensive cybersecurity legislation.
"[But] part of what has been communicated to congressional committees is that we want legislation to come with necessary protections for individuals."
Ross refused to be drawn, however, on whether the White House would consider vetoing the bill were it to pass through Congress.
http://www.guardian....l-opposed-obama
