US House passes cybersecurity bill

Washington, April 27 (IANS) US House of Representatives Thursday approved a controversial cybersecurity legislation, which will make it easier for companies to share information with the government about threats their networks face.

Members approved the bipartisan Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection (CISPA) act in a 248-168 vote. The bill was supported by 42 Democrats, while 28 Republicans opposed it.

The House approved the bill after making a number of changes aimed at limiting the way the government could use the information that companies provide, Xinhua reported.

CISPA will make it easier for companies to share information with the government about the threats facing their networks. Supporters said the proposal is a reasonable compromise between the need for privacy and security.

The bill enjoyed strong bipartisan support before the administration issued a veto threat and sided with privacy advocates who argue the bill does not do enough to protect consumers' private information.

The bill is one of four cybersecurity bills the House is expected to consider this week.

House Republicans have put the other three bills on the suspension calendar, a process usually reserved for non-controversial bills that will require them to pass by two-thirds majority.