Can he, does he have the power to? If companies resists can he pass a bill to make the companies turn off all internet connections for a specific reason?
2007-05-15 12:36:47 · 6 answers · asked by torontoguy23 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
lol, i meant to say the internet connections here, in the united states, in our computers
2007-05-15 12:45:31 · update #1
CAN he physically ?? I'm sure it could be done by shutting off or restricting certain nodes in the telecommunications centers... goodness knows I've seen a large portion of the Bay Area go down over a damaged cable vault.
Can he LEGALLY ?? It would be an unconstitutional restriction of inter-state commerce and communitcation. Under Emergency Powers I'm sure he could dispatch the FBI to shut them down. He'd need a STRONG reason: example terrorist "virus" or hack that threatened the economy or safety of the citizenry... without it WOULD be grounds for impeachment.
Take a look at Tom Clancy's "Executive Orders" for a sample... President Ryan imposed a nation-wide quarantine with road-blocks and curfews, but the court decides that the Constitution , though the most important document, is NOT a suicide pact.
You've posed a VERY interesting question... I hope to see answers from some with more telecommunication knowledge... and a real lawyer.
2007-05-15 12:58:03 · answer #1 · answered by mariner31 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it was a case of national security and an emergency he probably could. It wouldn't be easy but it can be done. It's not like you can just flip a switch. All telecom companies have disaster plans. Why would he shut down the Internet? If it ever got to that stage, we would have a hell of a lot more to worry about that our Internet connections.
2007-05-15 12:54:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
WWW means World Wide Web. He cannot control the World Wide Web.
Edit - My bad. I'm not sure if he has that power, either.
2007-05-15 12:41:27 · answer #3 · answered by MishMash [I am not one of your fans] 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We control the internet but we can't shut it down, we're not the owners.
2007-05-15 12:39:33 · answer #4 · answered by NONAME 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup. If it came to that, all it would take is to shut off the Internet backbones and we're back to CDs and small networks.
2007-05-15 12:42:39 · answer #5 · answered by flushles 3 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Sure many libs claim he controls the price of oil, the cause of global warming, and everything else that is wrong.
2007-05-15 12:43:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋