House considers bill to encourage companies to share data in fight against cyberspies

The House on Wednesday is expected to pass legislation designed to thwart cyberattacks by encouraging private companies to share with the government information about the methods of their attackers.

Many companies have been reluctant to share such internal data. They fear being sued, leaving both the firms and the government less equipped to battle an onslaught of cyberintrusions, including state-sponsored campaigns to steal American intellectual property. The bill grants protection from liability if the companies follow certain procedures.

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A similar bill has been introduced in the Senate. The White House praised the Senate measure while also expressing concerns about the House version, arguing that the liability protections could ultimately reduce the incentive for companies to report breaches.