Industry comments on antiterror liability protection rule

A coalition of trade associations on Monday filed comments on a Homeland Security Department measure to protect security technology providers from liability if their products or services fail to prevent terrorist attacks.

The coalition, which included the Information Technology Association of America and National Association of Manufacturers, endorsed a proposal to distinguish between "qualified anti-terrorism technologies" and "approved products for homeland security." They cautioned that the proposed five- to eight-year limits on products exempt from legal liability under such designations could discourage the development of anti-terrorism technologies and said the regulations should be retroactive, with shorter review periods.

The group also called for an extension of the immunity from lawsuits and a broadening of designations to include more products and services, and they are seeking greater confidentiality about their security roles and more financial support from the government if they are successfully sued for breaches in security.