# Former CIA head wants to limit Internet access - Author: Joichi Ito - Date: 2004-12-04T18:48:39Z UPI via The Washington Times Tenet calls for Internet security [...] The way the Internet was built might be part of the problem, he said. Its open architecture allows Web surfing, but that openness makes the system vulnerable, Mr. Tenet said. Access to networks like the World Wide Web might need to be limited to those who can show they take security seriously, he said. If the Internet were not open, it would no longer be the Internet. it is exactly the "vulnerabilities" that Tenet refers to that allows the Internet to promote free speech, innovation and growth without asking permission, getting licenses or being controlled by governments and monopolies. Shutting down or closing the open Internet in the name of fear and terror would do more damage to global democracy and innovation than any real damage it would have on terrorists. Of course terrorists use the Internet, but so does everyone else. I think people underestimate how much damage certain types of "control" can have on the future of the Internet. Either Tenet was ignorant of the nature of the Internet or it is yet another calculated push towards turning the Internet into another version of the telephone networks or cable TV... Does Tenet have any influence on policy anymore? Susan Crawford mentioned this during her remarks at the public forum at ICANN. Are there any other news agencies reporting this story? --- #### Categories Technology Controversy, US Policy and Politics, Warblogging