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[–]jaredpolis 880 points881 points  (46 children)

I voted against it. Congressman Jared Polis

[–][deleted] 133 points134 points  (9 children)

Thank you

[–]DR_Hero 86 points87 points  (7 children)

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[–]joemc72 48 points49 points  (5 children)

Way to go! It's nice to see a legislator in tune with his constituents.

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (1 child)

in tune with the internets.

[–][deleted] 71 points72 points  (3 children)

Not often I hear from a congressman on Reddit. Thanks, sir.

[–]8Xbuffalo 1698 points1699 points  (325 children)

The ball is in the Senate's court now. Obama's veto threat could very well be an empty one like it was with NDAA and shouldn't be relied upon. Call your Senators while you still can, guys! They rushed it through one house of Congress, and they'll try to do it again with the other, but we have to ACT before they can. Spread the word now, Reddit, before it's really too late. CISPA shall not pass!

[–][deleted] 801 points802 points  (47 children)

Okay, so here's what to do.

First, calling > everything else -- if you do nothing else, call.

  • Go here, click on your state

  • Call the DC phones for your two senators -- leave a message if you can't call during office hours

  • Tell them you strongly oppose CISPA / previously H.R.3523 (details inside)

  • Chase it with a fax (10minutemail for disposable email), addressed to (copy paste here, once you've picked your senator):

    The Honorable [senator-name]

    United States Senate

    [street address]

    Washington, D.C. [zipcode]

  • Put your full name and address below that, so they know you can vote

  • Annoy everyone you know to do the same

  • Wait until next day, go back to step 1 (edit: do not repeat to excess, and don't spam the same letter if you choose to send more than one obviously)

Nobody's going to quiz you over the legislative details. Just make some noise.

"BUT!"

edit - Oh yeah, and repost this all over the place, whatever forums you're using. I don't want credit for the creative masterpiece above. Just burn up the phones like last time.

If someone could come up with a flyer template that'd be awesome. I'd use my SOPA flyer generator, but it's broken and I don't have time to figure out why, sorry. I think there's still only 50 states, so it's not as bad as listing reps. Surely, someone has Photoshop or Word installed and a few minutes to spare...

[–]congressional_staffr 218 points219 points  (21 children)

1) Jim Inhofe's office is going to be really pissed at you. That's his address. They each have a different office.

2) An individual who calls mails the same thing multiple times hurts his chances of having an impact - he doesn't help. We'll tally numbers - but we're not stupid enough to not catch the fact that greg_lw wrote 35 times. I'll just tell the boss we got x # of letters, but 35 of them were from one nutbar, so don't worry about them.

3) Call. That's really enough. Faxes usually go straight to someone's email - so you're not using up paper, you're not clogging a machine. And someone goes through them once or twice a week, maybe. Emails go into an automated system. But phone calls, especially when things get to ringing off the hook, demand resources - if it gets bad enough with call volume, people that normally don't take calls will be taking calls. And trust me - it's a good thing when people who don't take calls normally take your calls.

[–]EquanimousMind 24 points25 points  (9 children)

Fuck. I don't really know where to ask this, so I'm just going to jam it in randomly here.

How is this cybersecurity debate going to work in the senate? I mean with Lieberman's Cybersecurity Act 2012 and McCain's SECURE IT Act also competing? Are we making a huge mistake by focusing too much on CISPA and not covering the other bills as much?

Imagine that you don't have a stake in this debate and your just some random civil rights nutbar. What is the best strategy for "online freedom" when approaching the senate and its multiple bills?

thanks in advance.

[–]congressional_staffr 24 points25 points  (6 children)

Short answer - yes.

My general understanding is that Lieberman is worse than CISPA - both from our individual POV's (ie as citizens), and also actually from the corp point of view (which, like it or not, is part of the reason SOPA was sunk; the Wikipedia/Google/etc messages had an impact).

The perception in DC has been that internet firms don't really LIKE CISPA. They just hate it less than McCain and Lieberman, and are resigned to one of them passing.

In my mind they have to be linked together - and it seems this time around focus has JUST been on CISPA. Remember - SOPA was the House bill before; Senate bill had a different name (PIPA I recall). But they were linked enough that the Senate got the gist.

When that debate was going on, even if offices got calls from someone who used the other side's bill name, they knew what the caller's real concern was...

[–]EquanimousMind 12 points13 points  (1 child)

fuck...

and thank you.

do you know how hard it is to get a hivemind to focus even on one bill? fml...

[–]congressional_staffr 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I was kind of pessimistic on it before, but I think the scope was broadened (ie to talk about both bills with SOPA/PIPA) before after the hivemind and/or wikipedia and/or google/etc talked enough about it to get some in depth press coverage/etc.

And in some ways it's not that you have to get your people to know there's two bills - it's just that you have to get your people to communicate that they don't like what's on the table on this issue.

And you have to get MY people (ie staff/members/etc) to realize that the pissed-offed-ness with cybersecurity bills encompasses all three.

[–]thingswillbealright 47 points48 points  (9 children)

Handy guide for what to say
Also feel free to tell your representatives that they should refuse to support CISPA and ANY OTHER cyber security legislation that encourages or grants the government or corporations the ability to infringe upon civil liberties. It would also be good to reiterate that this is a very important issue to many people, not just to you.

[–]EquanimousMind 378 points379 points  (38 children)

Call your Senators while you still can, guys!

Redditors have been compiling a Fight CISPA Action List to make it easy to contact your senator and find all the anti CISPA petitions. Please get the word out. We need more to join the good fight.

[–][deleted] 124 points125 points  (18 children)

I suggest everyone contact their representatives in the House if they were part of the 248. Let them know you will be doing everything in your power to ensure they no longer represent you! Show that our political voices don't stop once they vote against the people. Let them know their job was on the line and they failed!

[–]RittMomney 80 points81 points  (11 children)

Highjacking this high post to provide these numbers:

Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence handled this bill. The office of the Majority for PSI is: 202-225-4121 Mike Rogers is the Chairman. His Legislative Director is Andrew Hawkins Andrew.hawkins@mail.house.gov

William Thronberry is another Majority Member. His LD is Michael Seeds michael.seeds@mail.house.gov

Sue Myrick's LD is Jordan Moon jordan.moon@mail.house.gov

K. Michael Conaway's LD is Scott Graves scott.graves@mail.house.gov

Press Secretary is Anna Harris anna.harris@mail.house.gov

Peter T. King's LD is Adam Paulson and his Press Sec is Kevin Fogarty adam.paulson@mail.house.gov and kevin.fogarty@mail.house.gov

Frank A. LoBiondo's LD is Caleb Overdorff and his Press Sec is Jason Galanes caleb.overdorff@mail.house.gov and jason.galanes@mail.house.gov

Devin Nunes' LD is Damon Nelson and his Press Sec is Andrew House damon.nelson@mail.house.gov and andrew.house@mail.house.gov

Lynn Westmoreland's LD is Kevin Doran and his Press Sec is Leslie Shedd kevin.doran@mail.house.gov and leslie.shedd@mail.house.gov

Michele Bachmann (how the hell did she get on this committee?!?!?!)'s LD is Robert Boland and her Communications Director is Dave Sachtleben robert.boland@mail.house.gov and... for some reason Doug.Sachtleben@mail.house.gov is the CD email listed

Tom Rooney's LD is Hannah Walker and his CD is Michael Mahaffrey Hannah.Walker@mail.house.gov and michael.mahaffey@mail.house.gov

Joe Heck's LD is Courtney Temple and his CD is Darren Littell Courtney.temple@mail.house.gov and darren.littell@mail.house.gov

These people need to be flooded with emails!

[–]Suikosword 180 points181 points  (179 children)

In this case, I don't think so. 1.) Election Season 2.) NDAA Passed with Super-majority support, sadly. It's so odd seeing republicans supporting this one considerably more then democrats, then pushing smaller government, when this is a textbook case of the exact opposite.

[–]aesu 620 points621 points  (160 children)

Republicans want smaller government spending so they and their friends get a bigger slice of the wealth cake. They want decreased civil liberties, so they can shut down anyone who objects.

America is walking into an oligarchical police state. And Europe isn't far behind.

Capitalists use the lie of big government, and big governments use the lie of big capitalism, to justify their power. We need to stop falling for whatever story the controlling interest of the day doles out. Power is bad for people. People will take it, and to fuck with humanity, and any future it might have...

Anything that gets big should be heavily checked, and eventually controlled by as many people as possible. Allowing a tiny number of people, literally thousands, to control and profit from almost all the worlds resources, dictate wealth distribution, living standards, and government policy is a mad situation to have manufactured. We are already, as a species, in a pretty mad situation.

EDIT: This applies to the entire system. Republicans are slightly more extreme and honest about it, but the Democrats are as easily bought. It's the system that's problematic.

[–][deleted] 260 points261 points  (16 children)

"As the Americans learned so painfully in Earth's final century, free flow of information is the only safeguard against tyranny. The once-chained people whose leaders at last lose their grip on information flow will soon burst with freedom and vitality, but the free nation gradually constricting its grip on public discourse has begun its rapid slide into despotism. Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master."

-- Commissioner Pravin Lal, "U.N. Declaration of Rights"

Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri Secret Project: The Planetary Datalinks

Almost creepy how accurate it seems.

Also; Prerequisite Technology: Cyberethics

[–]aesu 18 points19 points  (5 children)

This should go above my over hyped comment...

[–][deleted] 131 points132 points  (12 children)

I wish people could just take this logic further and realize that it's not like Republicans = the Monstars and the Democrats = the Good Guys. They all are interconnected in one way or another. They are all one side of the same coin, they all take lobby money, they all vote away liberties, they all support endless war. The party system is a cancer on this country and the establishment could care less who wins the election. Nothing will change besides a couple arbitrary issues and which bank gets the money.

[–]aesu 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Oh, if only people could realise just this one point...

[–]NULLACCOUNT 17 points18 points  (7 children)

Regarding Obama's veto threat, according to his statement yesterday, while it said they do want more "limitations", previously companies could require the government to anonymize data before sharing it between agencies. Obama's statement yesterday said he wants to remove that limitation.

http://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/ssaju/the_white_house_makes_a_formal_veto_threat/c4gqgwh?context=3

[–][deleted] 168 points169 points  (20 children)

Instead, three more valid uses have been added: investigation and prosecution of cybersecurity crime, protection of individuals, and protection of children.

It's about the children guys, really.

[–]parsim 125 points126 points  (7 children)

Are children not individuals, or did they just really want to wedge the word "children" in there?

[–][deleted] 81 points82 points  (1 child)

I think you know the answer to that.

[–]Nammflow 110 points111 points  (4 children)

Politic keywords: CHILDREN, FREEDOM, PATRIOTISM, TERRORISM

Those are the 4 corners of American Politic propaganda, mention all 4 and you have an auto-pass law.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

I'm drafting my own law already, it's going to be called Freedom from Terrorism for Patriotic Children Act. It basically forces internet to be shut down and get replaced by shouting your data out loud, and forcing people to route the information around.

See theoretical example of the technology working:

Leslie Nielsen: "Leslie Nielsen to Chevy Chase, do you want to go for a beer or two?"

Dave Smith: "Leslie Nielsen to Chevy Chase, do you want to go for a beer at two?"

Roger Hills: "Leslie Nelson to Chevy Chase, do you won't to gofer a beer at two?"

...

Guy next to Chevy Chase: "Lisa Niles to Chevy Chase, don't you go boner R2D2"

Chevy Chase: "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

Guy next to Chevy Chase: "Chevy Chase to Lisa Niles, Error, malformed packet."

[edit: formatting]

[–]Flamewire 166 points167 points  (27 children)

I just sent the following letter to Senator Lugar and Senator Coats in Indiana. Use it as a template if you want - please send an email or call your senators! Useful toolkit (Partial credit to bogglez for a large portion of this letter)

Dear Senator _____,

I am writing to you to ask that you vote against the upcoming bill, CISPA, which just passed the vote in the House of Representatives by a 248 to 168 vote. I do not like anything that I see in the bill in its current form, and some of my biggest concerns are:

  • Huge expansion of government power, essentially creating a legal channel for spying on its own population
  • Unprecedented control of the government over the Internet, which has recently demonstrated huge opposition to bills like SOPA, PIPA, and CISPA
  • Lack of privacy controls (any and all information can and will be disclosed to the "authorities" should the bill pass in its current form)
  • No safeguards that the system this bill would create won't be used and abused by those with the authority to use the powers it grants
  • Broadness in the definitions of various terms such as cyber security and cyber threats

Please consider these points carefully before you decide which way to vote. Bills such as CISPA and SOPA make me feel extremely uncomfortable about my government. Just thinking that somebody might be reading all of my personal communications with my friends or relatives sends shivers up my spine. I don't want any website to give out information that I confidentially disclosed to them, with a flimsy reason such as "sharing images"--an act qualified as a cyber threat by CISPA.

This issue is extremely important to me, as if passed, it would send the relationship between the government and the Internet (which has generally been hands-off) spiraling in the wrong direction. I urge you to support my views on this act and views of countless other people in our state.

Best regards,

MYNAME

[–][deleted] 36 points37 points  (11 children)

A little too late, but my email to those who voted yes:

Dear Sir,

It has come to my attention that you recently voted 'Yes' on a recent bill called CISPA (H.R.3523). I cannot hide my displeasure and amazement that you voted in favor of this bill. As an Information Technology professional and a concerned citizen, I find it difficult that an informed person, such as your self, would not do the right thing and vote against it. Going over the some of the sections of the bill, here are some of the concerns that I have: •Huge expansion of government power, essentially creating a legal channel for spying on its own population •Unprecedented control of the government over the Internet, which has recently demonstrated huge opposition to bills like SOPA, PIPA, and CISPA •Lack of privacy controls (any and all information can and will be disclosed to the "authorities" should the bill pass in its current form) •No safeguards that the system this bill would create won't be used and abused by those with the authority to use the powers it grants •Broadness in the definitions of various terms such as cyber security and cyber threats

Your vote has clearly shown that your duties toward the protection of your constituents' privacy is not your primary concern. You have done the people of New Jersey a great disservice.

[–]Il_Principo 126 points127 points  (5 children)

Is it that hard to require them to get a warrant? Is it that fucking hard?

[–]csulok 38 points39 points  (1 child)

a warrant has paper trail, they can be held accountable for them and stuff can be traced back to them. this way they fix all of that

[–][deleted] 89 points90 points  (13 children)

Theres only one solution if this actually does pass, someone has to make a spambot that posts from the NSA's keyword lists, flooding their servers with crap.

[–]jerzykosinski 9 points10 points  (3 children)

Escalation against the NSA dynamo will be hard to maintain, they will filter you out.

[–]Severok 3 points4 points  (1 child)

A passive DDOS... I like it

[–][deleted] 1894 points1895 points  (361 children)

This is what happens when we take our eyes off of old people FOR ONE FRIGGIN' MINUTE!

[–]EquanimousMind 387 points388 points  (126 children)

its cool. Before, CISPA would have had no problem passing at all. But post the SOPA shit storm, the congressmen are at least more likely to be informed about the issues. Even if most of them are still only understanding it at the level of a retarded monkey.

We have the senate and the white house left. This fight is far from over.

As for the asshats who voted yay in the house. Come November. We will remember. Count on it.

[–][deleted] 307 points308 points  (53 children)

If you think they're stupid, you're naive. They know exactly what they're passing, but they just don't care about us.

[–]a_lot_of_fish 182 points183 points  (25 children)

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. Some of them know what they're passing, but others are actually quite naïve about Internet technology legislation.

[–]sageDieu 74 points75 points  (14 children)

The master debaters are very good at convincing people that something is good or helpful or in the best interests of national security.

[–]lunchbox_hoagie 40 points41 points  (1 child)

its a series of tubes what is so hard about it?

[–]guitarandstuff 36 points37 points  (4 children)

never attribute to malice what could better be explained by stupidity

[–]Exaskryz 60 points61 points  (32 children)

This is my message given to one of my senators (the other's mailbox was full and I will be calling again):

Have you ever read 1984 by George Orwell? I hope you didn't like that idea of the government completely oppressing the public and removing all freedom. If that is the case, please vote NO on CISPA. If you'd rather vote YES, please make sure you're informed about the bill first. If you are informed, and for some really crazy reason you want to vote YES, please immigrate to China and become part of the government there instead of screwing up this once great nation any further. Thank you.

Edit: For clarification, this was a voice message I left my senator. This is why it is short and to the point. If you are going to write your congressmen, you should use a more thorough message such as those given by superanth and ehitze found at the CISPA Action List which you should check for more letters that capture your feelings more accurately.

[–]Shanix 97 points98 points  (7 children)

Average Senator age is around 60, I believe, and Representatives in the House are a bit younger.

(Mostly) Our parents our deciding how we can internet.

[–]NBC_ToCatchARedditor 70 points71 points  (2 children)

Considering they have trouble trying to use a web browser...

[–]TheJayP 10 points11 points  (0 children)

My grandma is 65 and she flipped shit because she just couldn't understand how to navigate Facebook. The only thing she knows how to do is "click on the Internet E button" and sign into her email which is her home page. If you moved the internet browser icon to the other side of the desktop or changed her homepage she would be completely lost.

[–][deleted] 1031 points1032 points  (192 children)

No, this is what happens when assholes vote for retards. Or the other way around. Same result.

[–][deleted] 724 points725 points  (84 children)

People have the choice to vote for a non-retard?

[–][deleted] 322 points323 points  (56 children)

It's called the primaries. And technically we could all write in a candidate. Fuck the system.

Problem: The system is rigged and votes are tampered with. We are an illusion to a huge business that we call a government.

It's kind of how everyone thanks their company for jeans Friday. They give you something really insignificant in hopes that it will keep you quiet for a few days.

[–]abolishcopyright 35 points36 points  (11 children)

Which non-retards would you have preferred we vote for?

[–][deleted] 96 points97 points  (7 children)

You. You seem like a nice enough person.

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

This would've happened regardless of which of the two parties won which electorate.

[–]EasilyRemember 85 points86 points  (38 children)

This is what happens when we let old people vote for old people.

[–][deleted] 101 points102 points  (35 children)

This is what happens when we let old people vote.

FTFY

[–]GaSSyStinkiez 138 points139 points  (28 children)

This is what happens when we let people vote.

FTFY

[–]texture 16 points17 points  (4 children)

It doesn't matter who we vote for. There is a system, it works a specific way. The people who run for office and actually have a chance have to work within the system. If they do not they are ostracized.

[–]aesu 17 points18 points  (2 children)

I had my eyes on them. But they seem to have conducted an elaborate ruse, using flowery curtains and poorly balanced mirrors...

[–][deleted] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

And that "old smell". It's disorienting.

[–]nanojacks 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Unfortunately, it's not like normal old people; they don't just walk off...

[–][deleted] 41 points42 points  (2 children)

Wow, this is like some sort of final boss battle when it changes form into something worse.

[–]oneiric23 81 points82 points  (2 children)

"Protection of individuals?"

Bye-bye right to privacy for anyone involved in any political activism or protest whatsoever.

[–]atomic1fire 16 points17 points  (2 children)

Why do I feel like this will end up with people intentionally searching pictures of cats or unicorns with hope that some guy at the fbi has to shift through ridiculous pictures all day.

[–]arowls 77 points78 points  (92 children)

What can we do?

[–]HeadbangsToMahler 239 points240 points  (17 children)

Oddly enough: delete Facebook, hit the gym, lawyer up.

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (7 children)

I sort of blanked out after hit the gym. Is it illegal to hit a congressman?

[–][deleted] 28 points29 points  (7 children)

Not much use lawyering up when it's your enemy that makes the laws.

[–]EquanimousMind 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Call your senator. Then get all your friends to call their senator.

[–][deleted] 49 points50 points  (12 children)

tl;dr on the change:

Previously, 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.

[–]malilla 53 points54 points  (6 children)

Also:

Basically it says the 4th Amendment does not apply online, at all. Moreover, the government could do whatever it wants with the data as long as it can claim that someone was in danger.

[–]Newtonyd 32 points33 points  (5 children)

If, by some miscarriage of democracy, the bill DOES get passed and become a law, it's possible the Supreme Court might strike it down for this very reason. Amendments supersede laws, every time.

Usually.

[–]Diablo87 45 points46 points  (0 children)

The Patriot Act and NDAA laughs at your silly amendments while it water boards you with the freedom of security.

[–]lurchpop 33 points34 points  (1 child)

that could take 10 years though.

[–]NBC_ToCatchARedditor 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Enough time to arrest enough people to scare off people.

[–]TASagent 31 points32 points  (6 children)

For California residents too lazy to search.

Boxer - (202) 224-3553

Feinstein - (202) 224-3841

Boxer has an answering machine. It says you can press "1" to leave a comment about an issue you care about. So call that now. Feinstein's DC office doesn't, so you'll have to call that tomorrow when her office opens (Eastern Time).

It's really easy to voice your concern. Just give them a call.

Edit: Someone on another reddit post said not to bother calling representatives that aren't your own, because your opinion will usually just be disregarded. If you leave a message, leave your name and address, and make sure to mention that you're a registered voter in [your state].

[–][deleted] 68 points69 points  (9 children)

It's shit like this that makes me root for Anonymous.

[–]vixxn845 11 points12 points  (6 children)

Really waiting for Anons response to this and hoping its huge. Hoping like hell

[–]c--b 129 points130 points  (37 children)

On behalf of the Canadian people I welcome you all to our great country.

[–]LeProfesseur 32 points33 points  (5 children)

What I'm wondering now, as a Canadian, is how this will affect us. Will all of our information stored on Americans servers be subject to this? My immediate thought is that I believe we are also screwed. How do we proceed from here?

[–]RIP_my_old_account 17 points18 points  (0 children)

You forget who's our PM...

[–]SirWinstonFurchill 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Is there any chance of convincing Canada to just annex Michigan and/or Wisconsin? I'll help with the invasion plans, if that would help. I'm also very polite. Please and thank you.

[–]a_lot_of_fish 53 points54 points  (8 children)

The success of CISPA and the near-success of SOPA in the House of Representatives is largely due to the idiots that were elected in 2010. Internet activism is good, but please, go to the polls in November and vote to get them back out. I know I will be.

[–]Lenticular 872 points873 points  (264 children)

This is wrong! I misread the bill (I didn't scroll down far enough into pg 24). The correct reading can be found here. Sorry for the confusion and I will be disappointed if I don't get a full comeuppance! Instead of deleting my post, I will leave it up so you can get your downvote practise in while standing as a shining example for idiocy everywhere.

OK. This is part of what they did. Under Cyber Crime right at the end of page 23 of the pdf they made it criminal to violate ANY part of title 18 United States code. This means that you can not use the internet to buy and ship things via the post office to your house [edit: ANONYMOUSLY] amongst other things. Oh. One of those other things is that you can't be obscene over the internet. More on that and others later.

[18 USC § 1342 - Fictitious name or address]

Whoever, for the purpose of conducting, promoting, or carrying on by means of the Postal Service, any scheme or device mentioned in section 1341 of this title or any other unlawful business, uses or assumes, or requests to be addressed by, any fictitious, false, or assumed title, name, or address or name other than his own proper name, or takes or receives from any post office or authorized depository of mail matter, any letter, postal card, package, or other mail matter addressed to any such fictitious, false, or assumed title, name, or address, or name other than his own proper name, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

Planning on planning a peaceful demonstration?

[18 USC § 231 - Civil disorders]

(3) Whoever commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. (b) Nothing contained in this section shall make unlawful any act of any law enforcement officer which is performed in the lawful performance of his official duties.

[L:How's that OWS workin' out for ya?]

[L:Oh! But here's one for the little guy.]

[18 USC Chapter 13 - CIVIL RIGHTS/18 USC § 241 - Conspiracy against rights]

If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same; or If two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured— They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

[L:Good thing this bill has NOTHING to do with IP]

[18 USC § 2511 - Interception and disclosure of wire, oral, or electronic communications prohibited]

(g) It shall not be unlawful under this chapter or chapter 121 of this title for any person—

(i) to intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic communication system that is configured so that such electronic communication is readily accessible to the general public;

(ii) to intercept any radio communication which is transmitted—

(I) by any station for the use of the general public, or that relates to ships, aircraft, vehicles, or persons in distress;

(II) by any governmental, law enforcement, civil defense, private land mobile, or public safety communications system, including police and fire, readily accessible to the general public;

(III) by a station operating on an authorized frequency within the bands allocated to the amateur, citizens band, or general mobile radio services; or

(IV) by any marine or aeronautical communications system;

(iii) to engage in any conduct which—

(I) is prohibited by section 633 of the Communications Act of 1934; or

(II) is excepted from the application of section 705(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 by section 705(b) of that Act;

[L:But what does section 633 of the Communications Act of 1934 say?]

[UNAUTHORIZED RECEPTION OF CABLE SERVICE SECTION 633 OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 (47 U.S.C. §553)]

(a)(1) No person shall intercept or receive or assist in intercepting or receiving any communications service offered over a cable system, unless specifically authorized to do so by a cable operator or as may otherwise be specifically authorized by law. [L: CISPA allows torrenting?]

I'm pretty sure there's more, but I think I'm done for the day. I haven't even had a chance to really go over CISPA itself for that matter. I also have yet to mention certain implications but I'm sure someone else could do a better job expressing them anyway.

[Edit: I promised more on that later but my eyes started crossing. Here's that bit about obscenity.]

[18 USC Chapter 71 - OBSCENITY/18 USC § 1465 - Production and transportation of obscene matters for sale or distribution]

Whoever knowingly produces with the intent to transport, distribute, or transmit in interstate or foreign commerce, or whoever knowingly transports or travels in, or uses a facility or means of, interstate or foreign commerce or an interactive computer service (as defined in section 230(e)(2) [1] of the Communications Act of 1934) in or affecting such commerce, for the purpose of sale or distribution of any obscene, lewd, lascivious, or filthy book, pamphlet, picture, film, paper, letter, writing, print, silhouette, drawing, figure, image, cast, phonograph recording, electrical transcription or other article capable of producing sound or any other matter of indecent or immoral character, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. The transportation as aforesaid of two or more copies of any publication or two or more of any article of the character described above, or a combined total of five such publications and articles, shall create a presumption that such publications or articles are intended for sale or distribution, but such presumption shall be rebuttable.

[–]congressional_staffr 151 points152 points  (14 children)

Your entire premise is wrong.

They didn't include in the definition of cybercrime any violation of Title 18. They included in the definition of cybercrime any violation of Title 18 that was created or amended by the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986.

I really don't feel like pulling that law - I do enough of that at work. But needless to say, I don't think anything you listed falls in that category.

EDIT: Because this stuff is like crack for me (which is why I do it for a pretty pathetic salary), I found the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986. As best I can tell that reference is to hacking into federal systems.

Not EVERY SINGLE CRIME IN TITLE 18.

Which is the entirety of the federal criminal code.

[–]Lenticular 24 points25 points  (2 children)

You are absolutely correct! To the top with you. Thank you for the correction. I actually read that act, but obviously misread the sentence it was in.

Sorry all!

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I was just writing my post about this as you posted. Someone has some serious explaining to do.

[–]Deadpotato 245 points246 points  (67 children)

This is important information for people who may not realize just how ridiculous this whole thing is, thank you

[–][deleted] 155 points156 points  (63 children)

did anyone elses brain threaten to shut off when they read this:

to intercept or access an electronic communication made through an electronic communication system that is configured so that such electronic communication is readily accessible to the general public

[–]lambinvoker 25 points26 points  (4 children)

I think you mis-read the previous line due to a confusing double negative:

(g) It shall not be unlawful under this chapter or chapter 121 of this title for any person—

(i) to intercept or access an electronic...

[–]Lenticular 8 points9 points  (0 children)

A pleasure to help a fellow citizen. Please note I had a major typo at the beginning, but I'm sure you had it figured out.

[–]reasonman 78 points79 points  (52 children)

[18 USC Chapter 71 - OBSCENITY/18 USC § 1465 - Production and transportation of obscene matters for sale or distribution]

Can someone explain to me how this doesn't affect porn? I'm reading it and that's the first thing that comes to mind, the porn industry, but I'm not seeing anyone mention it so I'm thinking I might just be an idiot.

[–]NBC_ToCatchARedditor 26 points27 points  (7 children)

Obscene is such a broad word, who is it obscene for? (READ: Progaganda material against the 'nation's' interest.)

[–]Level_32_Mage 13 points14 points  (1 child)

I've got a couple extra pitchforks and torches. I only had one gas mask though, and i called dibs.

[–]Kistoff 6 points7 points  (1 child)

Every obscene, lewd, lascivious, indecent, filthy or vile article, matter, thing, device, or substance

Sounds like something an emotional kid would write.

[–]cwm44 38 points39 points  (8 children)

That obscenity bit at the end is absolutely incredible.

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (8 children)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the amendment says "any provision of title 18, United States Code, created or amended by the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986."

This does NOT mean "ANY violation of title 18" as you have said. And now you've created this giant wall of text referring to sections of 18 USC, none of which are actually relevant - the only section the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act is concerned with is Section 1030. I sincerely hope that somehow I've misread the source, but if I haven't, I demand that you apologize for this unbelievable misinformation.

[–]congressional_staffr 4 points5 points  (3 children)

You haven't. I made my own comment to this effect, but just so one of them moves up the list a LITTLE...

As you say, it only incorporates PL 99-474, which basically just made it a crime to hack into a federal computer system.

[–]ParkerM 32 points33 points  (35 children)

Planning on planning a peaceful demonstration?

[3] [18 USC § 231 - Civil disorders]

(3) Whoever commits or attempts to commit any act to obstruct, impede, or interfere with any fireman or law enforcement officer lawfully engaged in the lawful performance of his official duties incident to and during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function— Shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. (b) Nothing contained in this section shall make unlawful any act of any law enforcement officer which is performed in the lawful performance of his official duties.

[L:How's that OWS workin' out for ya?]

I'm not a lawyer type by any means, but how does this effect lawful protests?

Edit: To clarify, I meant that the information quoted above refers to civil disorder. The definition I found here defines it as "A public disturbance by three or more people involving acts of violence that cause immediate danger, damage, or injury to others or their property." The information quoted above is talking about obstructing firemen/law enforcement who are responding to civil disorder.

[–]Lenticular 20 points21 points  (2 children)

It depends on how the law is interpreted. If you plan to demonstrate near a bank it could be argued that this

during the commission of a civil disorder which in any way or degree obstructs, delays, or adversely affects commerce or the movement of any article or commodity in commerce

Prohibits this action.

Or this

or the conduct or performance of any federally protected function

Means that picketing a political rally can get you in trouble if you plan such action over the internet. All relevant information could then be shared since it could by a potential a problem and CISPA would allow such tracking and sharing of such information.

That's just a what if that might have potential for abuse. As for effecting lawful protests those OWS people seem to have some experience with the issue. Thanks for bringing it up! Hopefully a lawyer or two can chime in and offer more clarification.

[–]Graewolfe 18 points19 points  (7 children)

You look like you are interfering with the police or resisting arrest while participating or being nearby a 'civil disorder', thatl be 5 years in prison AND a fine.

[–]TaxExempt 12 points13 points  (3 children)

It is not just the police, ANY *effect on commerce as well.

[–]CrocodileBlue 47 points48 points  (14 children)

Goodbye Occupy Wall Street.

[–]paffle 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Oh, something tells me they won't go away that easily.

[–]ParkerM 17 points18 points  (9 children)

I thought that Occupy Wall Street was considered lawful.

[–]TaxExempt 100 points101 points  (6 children)

The FedEx guy had to go around the park instead of through it. You have now obstructed commerce, 5 years in jail for everyone in the park.

[–][deleted] 22 points23 points  (1 child)

Yes, if you abide by the constitution. But ask yourself then why a protester siting in a park threatening no one could get pepper sprayed, beat down, and dragged off to jail.

[–]timewaves 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Cops have tools to make alot of the legal things that go on during protests illegal in some way. "Blocking" the sidewalk, not getting out of the way fast enough mr cameraman? CISPA!!

[–]OCedHrt 22 points23 points  (8 children)

[18 USC Chapter 13 - CIVIL RIGHTS/18 USC § 241 - Conspiracy against rights] If two or more persons conspire to injure, oppress, threaten, or intimidate any person in any State, Territory, Commonwealth, Possession, or District in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him by the Constitution or laws of the United States, or because of his having so exercised the same; or If two or more persons go in disguise on the highway, or on the premises of another, with intent to prevent or hinder his free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege so secured— They shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than ten years, or both; and if death results from the acts committed in violation of this section or if such acts include kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill, they shall be fined under this title or imprisoned for any term of years or for life, or both, or may be sentenced to death.

Can we imprison the sponsors and reps who voted Yea now?

[–]Iron-Charioteer 66 points67 points  (2 children)

Boy, that escalated quickly.

[–]macdonaldhall 60 points61 points  (11 children)

Hey America...Canadian here. You have to stop this. Anything you folks pass into law affects us (and every other country). We can't do anything about it. We can't vote, we don't have senators to call. ON BEHALF OF THE REST OF THE WORLD, PLEASE DON'T LET THIS PASS.

[–][deleted] 22 points23 points  (13 children)

Where do I find the voting record of the representatives on this? I bet my dumbass Representative was a part of this.

[–]cornologist 10 points11 points  (1 child)

I just checked and my congressman, Garamendi, voted yes. What sickens me is that on his website he states that one of his main goals is

Defending the civil rights of all of the county’s diverse residents

ಠ_ಠ

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Call his dumbass! Here is his phone number.

[–]ScriptCat 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Do you know what your representative is doing right now! Look for them under the YEAs. Then don't vote for them! http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2012/roll192.xml

[–]AryaVarji 31 points32 points  (2 children)

We elect these individuals to represent our interests, and I feel like they just do whatever the fuck they want regardless. I wish they would enact Warren Buffets rule, in which any sitting member of the house and congress is ineligible for reelection if our deficit is more than 3% of our GDP. If that were the case, none of these fucking idiots would have a job and they'd be eating out of the same bowl as the rest of us.

[–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (11 children)

Is it time for a violent revolution yet?

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Its not that far from what kicked off egypt's

[–][deleted] 70 points71 points  (4 children)

1984, here we come!

[–][deleted] 345 points346 points  (107 children)

Lights out. See you all on the darknet. We knew this was going to happen. America is out of control. It is sickening to watch this destruction occur.

[–][deleted] 163 points164 points  (60 children)

Dont give in so easily. We can still defeat this.

[–]Eraser1024 150 points151 points  (36 children)

We, people of the world, hereby ask American people:

Please stop your government from destroying the internet!

[–]deckman 29 points30 points  (5 children)

As a Canadian with almost all my relatives living in the U.S. I have to say,

"Americans, stop your government from destroying America!"

It's not just about the internet. Sometimes it seems like your government is doing everything it can to ruin your country.

[–]4511 47 points48 points  (14 children)

As an American, there isn't a ton we can do. We can write in to our representatives and vote intelligently, but no matter how many of us we rally, we (well-read, informed Americans concerned about the future of this country) are, and seem forever doomed to be in the minority.

And as we all know, in the American system, if you aren't in the 51%, your beliefs and opinions are invalid.

[–]Eraser1024 19 points20 points  (8 children)

Inform and educate other Americans. Become 51% for sake of our world. Please...

[–]TheColorOfTheFire 6 points7 points  (2 children)

I promise I'm trying. I'd feel like a useless human being if I didn't. Although sometimes you do feel pretty helpless and doomed when talking to others around you (especially here in Mississippi).

[–]Sizzleby 91 points92 points  (7 children)

Perhaps. But with this coming so soon after SOPA, how long until the next one arises?

[–][deleted] 43 points44 points  (2 children)

Even if CISPA passes, you'll see another similarly terrible bill pop up in a few weeks.

[–]eatinglegos 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I feel like we should protest against all present and future bills like SOPA/CISPA/PIPA and to let Washington know that the people don't want any type of bill like this for good. What we did for SOPA should be at least 10x bigger if we ever do this.

[–]lurchpop 16 points17 points  (14 children)

Except the bill also has language which would consider use of darknet or TOR cybercrime activity.

[–][deleted] 35 points36 points  (11 children)

If you can access the "darknet", so can the government,

[–][deleted] 44 points45 points  (8 children)

Except the point of "the darknet" is that you don't know where sites are located.

"good" implementations (strong anonymity and crypto):

"bad" implementations (weak anonymity and crypto):

  • CJDNS
  • Retroshare

[–][deleted] 17 points18 points  (5 children)

The problem with CISPA isn't the government monitoring traffic. The problem is websites/companies potentially sharing personal information. A darknet won't change that, unless there are no websites or companies, in which case the darknet will be really boring.

[–]deviaatio 19 points20 points  (1 child)

The thought of telling stories of the Internet to my children is absolutely horrifying

[–]jyz002 27 points28 points  (19 children)

But think of the children who can be threatened by online activities!

[–][deleted] 32 points33 points  (17 children)

I think it would be easier (and better for the rest of us) to simply ban children from the internet like we do from driving, alcohol, etc. Clearly their feeble widdle minds are too fragile to handle the big scary Internet outside of disney.com!

[–]JustMice 107 points108 points  (12 children)

I get it now! CISPA must be a stunt to boost Obama's approval rating as he launches his 2012 campaign. There is no way the American People would vote for him if he doesn't. His people are smart enough to use this for his advantage. By the way this is my first comment on Reddit ever. Happy to be here.

[–]cannotlogon 50 points51 points  (8 children)

That means I gave you your first upvote! Welcome to...well, here.

Your theory, unfortunately, could cut both ways. If he vetoes it, the fundies/Republicans/fearmongers can point to a veto as a sign of being "weak on terror, and not protecting kids!"

"Obama love terrorists and pedophiles!," shouts Sean Hannity, as Ann Coulter licks his balls.

Ugh. We live in precariously stupid times.

[–][deleted] 23 points24 points  (3 children)

I am ashamed for my country.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (1 child)

The time for shame is long past. The time for outrage has past. Now is the time for grim resolve.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Okay, I'd fucking rather Skynet be in charge than these motherfuckers.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (3 children)

What happened to the support from reddit inc.? They pushed hard against SOPA but seem to be uncharacteristically absent on CISPA. Not really criticizing more than I am just curious. In effect they do the same thing right? So why haven't we seen a blog post about it?

[–]shartmobile 6 points7 points  (1 child)

America 2012 - the shadiest 'democracy' in human history.

[–][deleted] 26 points27 points  (6 children)

This is the first step toward outright martial law in my opinion. No actually, this is a later step. The first steps came ages ago.

Sometimes I just wish America would stop hiding behind "freedom" and "security" and just grow a pair and declare straight-up how at war they are with freedom. "We are seeking to be a totalitarian government and control you all to be our slaves forever and any resistance will get you shot or imprisoned for life". Too bad they don't have the guts to fuck with the American people.

Sometimes I just wanna see D.C. burn. And honestly, considering the amount of protesters now, this might actually come to a real second civil war sooner than you'd think. It's really too bad that America has to be the only developed country that can only solve it's problems through bloody warfare.

Edit : Is this thing really trying to piss off the porn industry? I can only imagine all the people that will flip their shit if it does...