My graphic artist colleague Jake O’Neil and I created this Infographic out of a sense of urgency to share the information with as many communities possible. The legislation’s possible passage has not gained the media coverage warranted by the potential impact to individuals, groups and corporations. In speaking about the bill with others, I came to focus on the 4th amendment – in the context of your personal data being analogous to illegal search and seizure. If CISPA becomes law, it may well wind up in the courts. It provides the government with new, and some maintain, broader powers to facilitate the exchange of information monitoring the web activities of citizens which are determined by both private and government entities, to be cyber threats.

• Via THOMAS: H.R.3523 – Latest Title: Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011 – To provide for the sharing of certain cyber threat intelligence and cyber threat information between the intelligence community and cybersecurity entities, and for other purposes.
• Sponsor: Rep Rogers, Mike J. [MI-8] (introduced 11/30/2011) Cosponsors (106)
• See also H.R.3261 — Stop Online Piracy Act [SOPA]
• And via EFF – Cybersecurity Bill FAQ: The Disturbing Privacy Dangers in CISPA and How To Stop It
• Editor’s Note and update via Alex Howard: On April 26, 2012, “the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA) (H.R. 3523) through the United States House of Representatives was sent to a vote a day earlier than scheduled. CISPA passed the House by a vote of 250-180, defying a threatened veto from the White House. The passage of CISPA now sets up a fierce debate in the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has indicated that he wishes to bring cybersecurity legislation forward for a vote in May.”

Infographic designed by Lumin Consulting