Verizon-Supported Cybersecurity Bill Advances in U.S. House

The House Intelligence Committee approved a bill encouraging telecommunications companies including Verizon Communications and Comcast to share data on hacker attacks with the U.S. government.

Under the measure, which cleared today in a 17 to 1 vote, companies would be protected from civil or criminal lawsuits for “acting in good faith” to inform government agencies that hackers had attacked their computer systems or compromised personal information. Cable, Internet and telecommunications providers have backed the legislation allowing them to share information with the government on a voluntary basis, while giving corporations access to classified intelligence on cybersecurity threats so they can protect their networks. The government would certify companies that are qualified to receive classified intelligence.