By John Eggerton, Multichannel News, 10-22-20
A bill that would limit the president – of either party’s – ability to “shut down the Internet” has been introduced.
It comes amid concerns in D.C. about the Trump Administration’s attacks on social media and other Big Tech web players and its inquiry, or perhaps more, into nationalizing a 5G network.
The “Preventing Unwarranted Communications Shutdowns Act,” introduced by Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), would limit the president’s power to “control or shut down communications networks, including the Internet.”
The legislators concede that the Internet, as a decentralized web, can’t be shut down, per se, communications law leaves open the possibility that the chief executive could effectively block Americans’ access to it.
The bill got kudos from FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel, who said such safeguards are needed given unchecked Executive Branch power. » Read More