Promoting and Enhancing Cybersecurity and Information Sharing Effectiveness Act of 2011 (PRECISE Act of 2011)

The Promoting and Enhancing Cybersecurity and Information Sharing Effectiveness Act of 2011 (PRECISE Act of 2011) is pending legislation that amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 through improved cybersecurity laws. The proposal would establish a federal overseer to act as a quasi-governmental agency to coordinate information sharing between the public and private sector. The act is designed to encourage private firms to share information on cyber threats

On April 18, 2012, the House Committee on Homeland Security passed the PRECISE Act of 2011 by voice vote.

The PRECISE Act of 2011 is also known as H.R. 3674 and the Lungren Bill.

The PRECISE Act of 2011 was introduced on December 15, 2011, by U.S. Representative Dan Lungren (R-CA) and 10 cosponsors. On February 1, 2012, the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies passed a heavily amended version of the original bill by voice vote. It is currently in committee awaiting House and Senate debate.

The PRECISE Act of 2011 is the latest in a rash of cybersecurity bills introduced since mid-2011, including the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). Although cyber threats are a growing concern, critics of the PRECISE Act argue that it would act as a federal Big Brother and threaten online privacy. Supporters say that securing critical infrastructures is becoming increasingly important in cybersecurity.