Fergie's Tech Blog

U.S. Cyber Security Review Sets Turf Battle

Siobhan Gorman writes in The Wall Street Journal:

President Barack Obama's cybersecurity review has ignited turf battles inside the White House, with economic adviser Lawrence Summers weighing in to prevent what he sees as a potential threat to economic growth, according to people familiar with the deliberations.

During the presidential campaign, Mr. Obama said he would appoint a cybersecurity adviser who would report directly to him on efforts to secure U.S. computer networks against spies, criminals and terrorists.

However, a White House review of cybersecurity policy has produced spirited debate on how high the adviser should rank and who should have veto power over his or her moves. A senior administration official called the debate an example of "creative tension," adding: "Far from being concerned about creative tension, I think this president and this team welcomes it...because, quite frankly, we've got to get this right."

Mr. Summers is arguing that his National Economic Council should "co-lead" the issue with the National Security Council, which was originally envisioned as housing the cybersecurity office, people familiar with the debate said. Mr. Summers's council, joined by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, worries that regulation or other limits could tie companies in red tape and hamper a recovery.

posted by Fergie @ 5/02/2009 10:06:00 PM