US cybersecurity efforts trigger privacy concerns

WASHINGTON - Privacy advocates are warning that the government's plans to expand computer security protections into critical parts of private industry could threaten Americans' civil liberties.

The Constitution Project is saying that as the Obama administration partners more with private companies to monitor and protect networks, sensitive personal information of people who work for or communicate with them could be improperly or inadvertently disclosed.

The Constitution Project is a nonpartisan legal think tank.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of its report, which is due out Friday.

Cybersecurity has become a rapidly expanding priority for the government as federal agencies, private companies and everyday citizens are under persistent and increasingly sophisticated computer attacks.