IRAN Act
Internet Access: Supporting Freedom in Iran
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This bill, introduced in Congress, aims to help people in Iran stay connected to the internet even when their government tries to shut it down. It puts the Secretary of State in charge of a national strategy to make sure Iranians can access the open web, news, and private messaging apps.
- The plan would provide $15 million a year in 2027 and 2028 to give Iranian journalists and human rights activists special tools. These include VPNs to hide their activity from the government, encrypted messaging apps, and training on how to avoid being hacked or tracked by the Iranian regime.
- The bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to make sure satellite internet companies do not intentionally block their signals over Iran. This ensures that even if the Iranian government cuts land-based internet cables, people might still be able to get online using satellite or cell phone technology.
- To make these tools easier to get, the bill asks the U.S. government to check that trade sanctions don't accidentally stop tech companies from providing helpful software to Iranian civilians. The goal is to make sure regular people have the technology they need to communicate during emergencies without fear of being caught.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
Iranian Internet Goes Dark as US Agencies Clash Over VPN Funding
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
IRAN Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(16)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.