While the Egyptian government has drawn international criticism for shutting down internet and mobile phone access during civil unrest, it might alarm many Americans to learn that Barack Obama may soon have the same powers.

Lawmakers are set to debate a controversial new plan to give the President the power to shut down the Internet in case of a cyber emergency.

The proposal is certain to meet opposition, but Senator Susan Collins, the co-sponsor of the bill, insisted today that the legislation would not be used for censorship.

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She said it would provide a mechanism for the government to work with the private sector in the event of a true cyber emergency.

It would give our nation the best tools available to swiftly respond to a significant threat.

Former vice presidential candidate Joe Lieberman, chairman of the U.S. Homeland Security Committee, said safeguards were needed to preserve those networks and assets and our country and protect our people.

He claimed national security was at risk from new foes such as cyber warriors, cyber spies, cyber terrorists and cyber criminals.

He said: For all its allure, the Internet can be a dangerous place with electronic pipelines that run directly into everything from our personal bank accounts to key infrastructure to government and industrial secrets.

The issue has been brought into sharp focus by moves by the Egyptian authorities in recent days to disrupt activists by preventing them from using the Internet or their phones to arrange rallies.

Egypts four main Internet service providers reportedly cut off international access for their customers at the same time last Thursday.

Officials said the shutdown is the most comprehensive official electronic blackout in history.

Mr Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both called on the Egyptian government to restore the Internet and social networking sites.

The plan to give the president the right to flip the kill switch of the Internet has already attracted opposition from abroad.




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