As Egypt goes offline US gets internet 'kill switch' bill ready

Internet 'Kill Switch' Legislation Back in Play

A graph showing internet traffic to and from Eqypt. Photo: Arbor Networks

As Egypt's government attempts to crackdown on street protests by shutting down internet and mobile phone services, the US is preparing to reintroduce a bill that could be used to shut down the internet.

The legislation, which would grant US President Barack Obama powers to seize control of and even shut down the internet, would soon be reintroduced to a senate committee, Wired.com reported.

It was initially introduced last year but expired with a new Congress.