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By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. The Federal Government must have the ability to communicate at all times and under all circumstances to carry out its most critical and time sensitive missions. Survivable, resilient, enduring, and effective communications, both domestic and international, are essential to enable the executive branch to communicate within itself and with: the legislative and judicial branches; State, local, territorial, and tribal governments; private sector entities; and the public, allies, and other nations.
..... Sec. 5.2. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall: (a) oversee the development, testing, implementation, and sustainment of NS/EP communications, including: communications that support Continuity of Government; Federal, State, local, territorial, and tribal emergency preparedness and response communications; non-military executive branch communications systems; critical infrastructure protection networks; and non-military communications networks, particularly with respect to prioritization and restoration; .... (e) satisfy priority communications requirements through the use of commercial, Government, and privately owned communications resources, when appropriate."
The White House has released a new Executive Order seeking to ensure the continuity of government communications during a national emergency. The Executive Order grants new powers to the Department of Homeland Security, including the ability to collect certain public communications information. Under the Executive Order the White House has also granted the Department the authority to seize private facilities when necessary, effectively shutting down or limiting civilian communications. In 2011, Congress considered similar provisions in cybersecurity legislation, which would have allowed the government to disconnect communications traffic in times of national security. Following public protest, congress abandoned the proposal. For more information, see EPIC: Cybersecurity Privacy Practical Implications.
Originally posted by DaTroof
Your quoted language resembles a contingency plan. In the event that government communication is interrupted, they can seize private communication equipment for the continuity of government services.
I think the internet is safe for now.
Originally posted by Labrynth2012
While the internet remains ON for now, preparation for TURNING IT OFF in the manner described, should not be LEGAL by Executive Order. Congress should make that determination in the event of a National Emergency. The President has over stepped his authority by trying to legislate by power of the Executive Order. That is a NO NO!
Originally posted by Labrynth2012
Originally posted by DaTroof
Your quoted language resembles a contingency plan. In the event that government communication is interrupted, they can seize private communication equipment for the continuity of government services.
I think the internet is safe for now.
While the internet remains ON for now, preparation for TURNING IT OFF in the manner described, should not be LEGAL by Executive Order. Congress should make that determination in the event of a National Emergency. The President has over stepped his authority by trying to legislate by power of the Executive Order. That is a NO NO!
Originally posted by PatriotAct
I wonder when they're going to shut this site down. If that occurs, perhaps some of us are on to something. Either way, the quote 'sounds' like a contingency plan in case communications failure for the government, but it's vague and could also mean another legal weapon to quell dissidents.