Have you ever wondered how your sensitive information stays secure when you’re shopping online or sending a private email? The answer lies in something called encryption, a complex system of coding that disguises your data to keep it safe from prying eyes. Some might argue, “I have nothing to hide. Why should I care about encryption?” Well, the truth is, encryption is critical for everyone, and here’s why.

The Lieberman Collins “Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act” (CIFA) – so designated because the proposed law is being sponsored by Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut, and co-sponsored by Senator Susan Collins of Maine and also Senator Tom Carper of Delaware (and perhaps, more strategically important, supported by the Obama administration), is intended to help tighten up cyber security and thwart cyber attacks. Ironically, however, say opponents, this ‘Internet freedom act’ means exactly the opposite for businesses, particularly businesses that are designated as “critical infrastructure” companies. That is because CIFA would mandate – require – businesses to meet a Federal standard of network security, and out of their own pocket. (The full text of the proposed legislation is below.)