The Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act would enable businesses to share cyber threat information with others in the private sector and allow the private sector to share information with the government on a voluntary basis. The legislation also would provide liability protection for companies that choose to protect their own networks or share threat information.
The bill would permit private sector entities to share information anonymously or restrict who they share with, including the government. It would also require a review of the sharing and use of information by the federal government to ensure the protection of privacy and civil liberties. An annual unclassified report to Congress would provide recommendations for enhancing privacy and civil liberties.
The goal of the legislation, according to co-sponsor and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), is to encourage the private sector and government to exchange information that could be useful in protecting intellectual property and critical infrastructure. The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), ranking Democrat on the committee.
“Economic predators, including nation-states, are blatantly stealing business secrets and innovation from private companies. This cybersecurity bill goes a long way in helping American businesses better protect their networks and their intellectual property”, Rogers said.