Civil-liberties groups alarmed by cybersecurity bills

Several advocacy groups have raised major civil-liberties concerns about pending cybersecurity legislation. In a recent story in PC World, the Center for Democracy and Technology raised a flag about legal language in four bills that would protect private companies that share customer information with the government.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) said the bills "grant the government broad powers in the event of a cyber threat" without specifically defining what does and does not qualify. EFF also claimed one of the bills could treat people like criminals if they take certain steps to secure personal information.

The bills, which have drawn broad corporate and bipartisan support, are expected to be voted on later this month.