Tuesday, March 24, 2026

6650 -

I thought I would look this up since the White Housers are picking on Scott MacFarlane right now for signing up with https://substack.com/@meidastouch. 


While a total, permanent shutdown of the global internet is technically impossible for a U.S. President, Donald Trump could legally attempt to disrupt or shut down internet access within the U.S. or in specific regions. This authority stems from an obscure 1934 law, the 
Communications Act of 1934 (Sec. 706, 47 USC 606), which allows for shutting down "wire communications" (internet/phones) during a declared national emergency.
Legal and Technical Factors:
  • Emergency Power: The President can "cause the closing of any facility or station for wire communication" if a national emergency or threat to national security is declared.
  • The "Kill Switch":
     While there is no single, physical "internet kill switch," a president can order telecom companies and internet service providers (ISPs) to cease operations, effectively shutting down public access.
  • Legal Challenges: Such an action would likely face immediate and significant legal challenges regarding the First Amendment and the scope of presidential authority.
  • Scope of Impact: While the U.S. government can restrict domestic internet, it cannot turn off the internet in other parts of the world, say experts quoted by PBS and Cornell Tech researchers.


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