Before anyone else makes an automatic assumption that this bill is an infringement on the "freedoms" of US citizens on the internet, let me ask one question:
DID ANY OF YOU READ THE BILL?
I did...in its entirety.
As a professional in the field of I.T., it is my opinion that this bill is to be applauded, not frowned upon. Its focus is not upon having the ability to shut down the internet, or infringing upon users' rights, but is geared toward creating specific regional Cybersecurity centers that will assist the United States Government as a whole in securing its systems - systems that do send data over the same private networks that we all have access to.
While the bill only touches the surface of what is necessary at this present time of "cyber-insecurity", it is a noble start and the participants in the programs highlighted in this bill will include industry professionals, academic research centers, non-profit organizations and various advocacy groups.
This bill ensures that these varied groups from the public, private and government sectors have an fair and equal say in how the overall cybersecurity strategy of the US will be improved over the upcoming years. It focuses on educating US citizens (and even international bodies) about proper internet security and holds accountable IT companies who design government systems, software and critical network infrastructure (government certification for those who offer Cybersecurity services and products will be required a few years after the bill is implemented).
Instead of jumping on the bandwagon of misinformation, lamenting about hypothetical situations that are not even in the bill, those of us in the adult industry who have the technical expertise (and experience) should be massing together in an effort to apply as a participant in this program.
After all, if the adult industry does not step forward as part of the solution in securing the internet for our users, other participants in this proposed program who are not familiar with the in-ands-outs (pardon the pun) of this industry may no doubt consider it part of the problem.
We do not want that.
The adult industry collective needs to grow up and shake off the negative reputation and attitudes that seems to have been embedded in our minds. It seems as if psychologically this industry is like a person who has been told that they are bad/corrupt/wicked/(insert negative trait) for so long that many within our ranks almost feel it necessary to act accordingly. This must stop.
So yes, the President will be able to "shut down the onlines", but only if critical Federal infrastructure and the networks that they use to connect over are compromised or h4x3d. Someone read that bill, misinterpreted it and panicked.
Don't feed the fear, people. Be informed, make a decision and act accordingly.