Internet activists who killed an antipiracy campaign on Capitol Hill in January are back on the virtual warpath against efforts to improve America's cyber defenses. As then, the ferocity of the ire is disconnected from the modesty of the legislation.

Concern over the vulnerability of America's digital networks has grown with dependence on them. The government devotes tremendous resources to protect its systems from hackers, terrorists and states like China or Russia. Banks, electrical utilities and other private companies fend for themselves, however, even though a successful attack could do enormous economic harm. Congress rightly thinks the government could lend a hand.

Mike Rogers, the Republican chairman of the House intelligence committee, wants companies to draw on the government's expertise and classified information to counter cyber threats. Companies can, in turn, share their concerns or proprietary information with the National Security Agency, FBI and others. This would all be voluntary.

Standing in the way, however, is the Obama Administration, which came out against CISPA before the House vote, citing supposed shortcomings on privacy protections. Having worked closely with Republicans to write the bill, Rep. Ruppersberger was blindsided by the White House and has said as much. The House passed the bill 248-168, with 42 Democrats defying the Administration's veto threat.