Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Restrict Presidential Internet Shutdown Powers
Two U.S. representatives introduce a bipartisan bill to add strict accountability measures to the president's authority to shut down communications networks. The legislation requires imminent threats to human life, automatic expiration of shutdowns, and mandatory government compensation.
A bipartisan pair of U.S. representatives proposes a new bill that limits the president's ability to shut down the internet under Section 706 of the Communications Act. While this existing emergency power originally aims to prioritize official communications during a crisis, critics warn it could potentially be exploited to suppress protests and civil unrest.
The Preventing Unwarranted Communications Shutdowns Act adds several strict layers of accountability to this presidential authority. It restricts the use of shutdowns to situations involving an imminent and specific threat to human life or national security, preventing its use against general events like large protests.
The legislation also mandates that the president inform top government officials and opposition leaders of any shutdown, imposes a strict 48-hour automatic expiration unless three-fifths of Congress votes to extend it, and requires financial compensation for impacted providers and customers. Although its passage remains uncertain, the bill draws strong support from figures like FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel who seek to modernize outdated communications laws.