Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut is calling for a bill to pass that would give the US the same powers as Egypt recently displayed: that is, the power to shut down internet access to civilians. It is a rare example of US foreign policy intersecting so precisely with online marketing.

While the possibility of this actually happening is likely remote - although many Egyptians no doubt felt that way earlier this week - even its existence could prove painful for online marketers. The unspoken threat, or rumors of, the US government prepping to shut down the internet in response to an incident or event would be enough to send online ad bookings - not to mention revenues - into free fall.

Easy to Do

It would not be a huge technological feat to do this, GigaOM writes. Officials could either close down the routers which direct traffic over the border or switch off routers at individual ISPs to prevent access for most users inside.  China regularly uses such tactics to control information flowing to its people. Egypt’s draconian blackout, however, is the first example of a country of its size taking such a far-reaching step.

A bill introduced by Lieberman would give the US the same powers, explains Boing Boing.  He has been calling for these powers for at least a year, having introduced such a bill in 2010. The bill, called 'Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act' (PCNAA), has been revised now, removing all judicial oversight, Boing Boing says. It will be voted on later this year.