Tech group representing Google, Yahoo backs CISPA

TechNet, a trade association that represents Google, Yahoo, Cisco and Oracle has come out in support of a controversial cybersecurity bill that is slated to be voted on in the House next week.

In a letter sent to the leaders of the House Intelligence panel, TechNet CEO Rey Ramsey said the cybersecurity bill addresses the need for industry and government to be able to send and receive information about cyber threats to one another in real time. He also commended the Intelligence panel leaders for taking steps to address privacy concerns with their bill, the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), but also said the trade group looked forward to continuing talks on "further privacy protections." Several high-profile tech executives sit on TechNet's executive council, including Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt, Oracle President Safra Catz and venture capitalist John Doerr.