Bill could mean trouble for consumers

September 19, 2011 – 9:43 am

There’s a bill making its way through the House of Representatives that could end the online privacy of Americans.

The Protecting Children from internet Pornographers Act of 2011 (HR 1981) would force Internet service providers to maintain a national database of user names, addresses, phone numbers, credit card information, bank account numbers and IP addresses. The database would be available for law enforcement, and would include all Internet users – all of them.

Critics of the bill say it gives law enforcement “unprecedented power” to invade the privacy of citizens, and it puts Americans at risk for identity theft. They also point out that the bill does little to keep children safe from sexual exploitation.

Another criticism is that it will create fear in those who have so-called radical ideas or those who challenge governmental power. Witnesses in court cases may be reluctant to testify if threatened with the possibility that police can publicize the witness’ Internet history at trial.

As for identity theft, it is a very real concern. As already demonstrated, hackers can break into the databases of large corporations and steal personal and financial information – the Sony breach was a prime example, involving more than 100 million customers.

The theory behind the bill is this: keep the database, and the cops have a clear line to the criminals who would threaten our children. The problem is, that the cops – and criminals – will also have a clear line to the rest of us.

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