White House confirms plan to veto CISPA

The internet can once again breathe a sigh of relief: White House officials have announced that President Obama adamantly plans to veto the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act  (CISPA). Obama had previously threatened to veto the bill when it was still up for deliberation by the House of Representatives. As a response to these threats, the House made slight amendments to CISPA in hopes that the changes would curb the president’s dissatisfaction with the bill. However, the White House said that the changes aren’t enough and that CISPA remains an intrusive bill; Obama is undoubtedly going to veto the bill as soon as it reaches his desk. Alec Ross, Hillary Clinton’s Senior Adviser for Innovation, spoke on behalf of the Obama administration on the subject of the soon-to-be veto. “There is absolutely a need for comprehensive cybersecurity legislation,” said Ross. “[But] part of what has been communicated to congressional committees is that we want legislation to come with necessary protections for individuals.” As a quick reminder, if CISPA were to be enacted, internet service providers would be regularly communicating with the federal government. Browsing history, personal files and records, and a myriad of other private information would all be subject to inspection in the name of “cybersecurity”. Much to the gratification of internet activists and the general public alike, this attack on privacy will soon be evaded. Once Obama slams the red rubber stamp down on the CISPA, the internet will have dodged another bullet.