Opponents, however, have contended the proposed changes don't go far enough, especially because CISPA would still allow private companies to share Internet user data with the NSA.

The White House statement today focused in on those same concerns. "The bill would allow broad sharing of information with governmental entities without establishing requirements for both industry and the Government to minimize and protect personally identifiable information," the statement said.

The bill fails to limit the sharing of personal information and does not have any restrictions on how collected data can be used. It also inappropriately shields private companies in situations where they might improperly collect and share information on a user's legal Internet activities, the statement cautioned. "This broad liability protection not only removes a strong incentive to improving cybersecurity, it also potentially undermines our Nation's economic, national security, and public safety interests."

"Without clear legal protections and independent oversight, information sharing legislation will undermine the public's trust in the Government as well as in the Internet by undermining fundamental privacy, confidentiality, civil liberties, and consumer protections," the White House said.

Jaikumar Vijayan covers data security and privacy issues, financial services security and e-voting for Computerworld. Follow Jaikumar on Twitter at or subscribe to . His e-mail address is .