Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (6 U.S.C. §§ 1501–1528)

2) Why It Was Done
The Act was passed to improve the nation’s cybersecurity defenses by encouraging private companies and the federal government to share cyber threat indicators. It was intended to help detect and prevent cyberattacks more quickly.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before CISA, there was no comprehensive framework for private-sector cyber threat sharing. The Act raised concerns about Fourth Amendment privacy rights because of the potential for government access to personal data.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it strengthens U.S. cybersecurity by closing information gaps between companies and the government. Critics say it gives the government backdoor access to personal data with inadequate privacy safeguards.

5) Who or What It Controls

Private companies (permitted to share cyber threat indicators with DHS).
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) (central hub for cyber threat information).
Other federal agencies (e.g., NSA, FBI) (may access shared information for cybersecurity and national security).

6) Key Sections / Citations

6 U.S.C. § 1503: Authorizes voluntary sharing of cyber threat indicators.
6 U.S.C. § 1504: Provides liability protections for companies that share data.
6 U.S.C. § 1505: Requires DHS to implement privacy and civil liberties guidelines.

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

Still criticized for weak privacy protections and vague limits on government use of data.
Plays a central role in federal responses to ransomware and foreign cyber intrusions.
Ongoing debates about balancing cybersecurity and civil liberties.

8) Official Sources

Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA, 2015)