Controversial cyber security bill advances in U.S. Senate

Controversial cyber security bill advances in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON, Oct 22 (Reuters) – A long-delayed bill that would make it easier for corporations to share information about cyber attacks with each other or the government without fear of lawsuits advanced in the U.S. Senate with strong support from members of both parties on Thursday.

Dozens of industry and business groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, back the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), saying it would help encourage companies and the government to share information that might help thwart high-profile cyber attacks.

But many privacy activists and a few lawmakers, including Republican Senator Rand Paul and Democratic Senator Ron Wyden, vehemently oppose it. Several big tech companies also have come out against the measure, arguing that it fails to protect users’ privacy and does too little to prevent cyber attacks.

“The bill would grant legal immunity to companies who in sharing information actually violate your privacy,” Paul said in the Senate shortly after the procedural vote of 83 to 14, well above the 60 “yes” votes needed to move ahead.

The Senate began debating amendments to the measure, which is on track to pass next week.

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