With Egypt’s potential revolution all over the news, we’re absolutely stunned to hear that the Egyptian government has ordered all internet providers to shut down the internet. In an effort to end protests, phone networks have also been ordered to suspend service in parts of Egypt.  

This is the first time this has happened in internet history, and the shutdown has evoked understandable worldwide concern; protests continue, stocks have fallen drastically, and perhaps most interestingly, the debate about a potential “kill internet” switch in America has resurfaced.

Although not widely publicized, the cyber-security measure is not exactly new, at least for America. In the United States in 2010, the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010 was introduced by Senator Joseph Lieberman. Lieberman has specifically addressed this topic, and declared the “Kill Internet Switch” as misinformation in an interview with CNN. Lieberman asserts that the measure would only be used if completely necessary for America’s security, but it’s still a very scary thought.

Imagine not being able to access the internet or your phone in a potential emergency.  In Egypt, protests have been ordered to halt, and what many of us consider a fundamental right has been taken away.  Many of us rely on social networking websites for news and information. While shutting down the internet makes organization more difficult for protestors, it also raises safety concerns when protests get violent.  It’s disconcerting to think about this happening in America, but it’s possible.

The impact the internet block will have on protest organizers is likely to be overshadowed by violent reactions from Egyptians, especially since they are already in a state of violence. Hopefully the rest of the world will see Egypt’s shutting down the internet as an example, in terms of human rights and safety.

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Do you think this could happen in America?  Should Obama have a “Kill Internet Switch” for emergencies?

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