Bush's Big Brother Coming To The Internet

Just days after Larry Lessig warned us about the existence of an 'i-Patriot Act', word leaks out that Bush and Homeland Security are "secretly" working on the Comprehensive National Cyber Security Initiative.

Essentially this is Bush's beloved spying and surveillance program... now for the internet!!

According to Raw Story:

The Comprehensive National Cyber Security Initiative, established by National Security Presidential Directive 54 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 23 in January, is intended to improve the government's ability to defend against cybersecurity attacks.

But the Bush Boys are being secretive:

Earlier this week, the Senate Homeland Security Committee released vague details about the program, after receiving some documentation from the Administration following a hearing in March. But the Administration's response redacted information regarding the contractors involved -- despite a history of giving away massive no-bid Iraq reconstruction contractors to companies such as Halliburton, Vice President Cheney's former firm.

“The response includes information on the National Cyber Security Center, how privacy will be protected under the CNCI, how success of the initiative will be measured, and how the Department views the private sector’s role in the initiative,” wrote the committee's Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME). “The Department chose to redact information relating to contracting at the National Cyber Security Division. The senators have asked DHS explain their reasons for the redactions.”

Among the redacted questions: "Why was the determination made that the contract will be for a 10-month period?" and "How will the DHS provide appropriate oversight to ensure that the contractors support efforts do not intrude on inherently governmental functions?"

According to CNET's Stephanie Condon, the Administration won't even related how the program's "mission relates to Internet surveillance."

All this done while the world's eyes were on China for the Olympics.