House Homeland Security Committee Chairman moves to rein in 'dark' networks

The head of the House Homeland Security Committee is pushing a new initiative to deal with the proliferation of encrypted devices that critics say allow terrorists to communicate without detection. The effort by Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) will not force concessions on tech companies, he said. Instead, it would create “a national commission on security and technology challenges in the digital age,” which Chairman McCaul promised would be tasked with providing specific recommendations for dealing with an issue that has become a priority for law enforcement officials. “A legislative knee-jerk reaction could weaken Internet protections and privacy for everyday Americans, while doing nothing puts American lives at risk and makes it easier for terrorists and criminals to escape justice,” he said. “It is time for Congress to act because the White House has failed to bring all parties together -- transparently -- to find solutions."

Chairman McCaul is planning to introduce his bill in the coming days. The new commission would be composed of tech industry leaders, privacy advocates, academics and law enforcement officials. “This will not be like other blue ribbon panels: established and forgotten,” he promised. ”The threats are real, so this legislation will require the commission to develop a range of actionable recommendations that protect privacy and public safety.”