Iran Act Introduced to the House to Support Internet Freedom in Iran
August 2, 2024 — Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA14) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY24) today introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act (H.R.9299) in the House of Representatives, a landmark bipartisan initiative to promote internet freedom in Iran. The legislation, developed in close collaboration with the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), aims to counter the Iranian government’s increasing censorship and surveillance, which continue to stifle the voices of civil society.
CHRI played a pivotal role in spearheading efforts to address internet freedom in Iran, working hand-in-hand with Representatives Swalwell and Tenney to shape the bill’s framework and build broad support across party lines. The bill’s 18 co-sponors include Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA1), Ro Khanna (D-CA17), Maria Salazar (R-FL27), Gerald Connolly (D-VA11), Michael Lawler (R-NY17), Virginia Foxx (R-NC5), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY11), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL12), Anna Eshoo (D-CA16), Rob Wittman (R-VA1), Scott Peters (D-CA50), Brad Schneider (D-IL10), Barbara Lee (D-CA12), Cory Mills (R-FL7), Ted Lieu (D-CA36), Stephanie Bice (R-OK5), Mike Levin (D-CA49), and Jim Himes (D-CT4).
What is the IRAN Act?
The Internet Reach and Access Now Act (IRAN Act) mandates that the Secretary of State’s duties permanently include implementing and regularly updating a comprehensive strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran. The IRAN Act includes three objectives for this comprehensive strategy to ensure it accurately reflects the needs of Iranian civil society:
1. Develop guidance for the Treasury Department to ensure that sanctions enforcement does not prevent companies from providing Iranian civilians with the necessary tools to access the open internet
2. Evaluate the usage of virtual private networks (VPNs) by human rights activists in Iran and develop strategies for increasing their accessibility
3. Assess the Islamic Republic’s ability to cut off all internet access and develop strategies for Iranian civil society to circumvent internet blackouts
Upon passage of the IRAN Act, the State Department must submit a report of the updated comprehensive strategy to the relevant congressional committees within 120 days.
Why is the IRAN Act Necessary?
The Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) has weaponized the internet to suppress its citizens. Since the onset of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests, the IRI has regularly blocked internet access to stifle dissent and silence voices demanding change. What should be a tool for communication and freedom has been transformed into a weapon against freedom of expression. According to the Freedom House Index, Iran ranks as the third worst country in the world for internet freedom.
For the first time, the IRAN Act will establish a legal mandate requiring the U.S. government to implement a comprehensive strategy to promote internet access for all Iranian civilians. This groundbreaking legislation is a critical step in supporting the Iranian people in their fight for freedom and human rights. Open internet access empowers political organizing, ensures the free flow of information and ideas, and strengthens connections between Iranians and the global community.
A national public opinion survey by the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) underscores the importance of the internet for Iranian Americans as well. Nearly half (47%) have immediate family members living in Iran, and 44% communicate with them at least “several times a week.” Encrypted messaging applications, social media, and internet services like Google Chat and Skype serve as lifelines for these families, enabling them to stay connected despite efforts to isolate them.
The internet is more than a tool—it is a vital connection to the outside world, a platform for organizing, and a lifeline for families. By supporting the IRAN Act, we can help ensure that the Iranian people have the access they need to share their voices, fight for their rights, and stay connected to their loved ones.
What is CHRI’s Role in Supporting Internet Freedom for Iran?
For years, CHRI has remained on the frontlines of the fight for internet freedom in Iran. CHRI worked with members of Congress to urge the administration to strengthen and expand the General License D-1 to support the free flow of information and internet access for the people of Iran. These efforts culminated in the introduction of a General License D-2 after the start of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests in September 2022.
In 2023, CHRI supported bipartisan amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) proposed by Representatives Porter and Swalwell. The amendments sought to combat internet censorship in Iran and demanded an updated strategy to support internet freedom in Iran. The amendments were not included in the final version of the bill, however Rep. Swalwell’s amendment laid the groundwork for today’s introduction of the IRAN Act.
Most recently, CHRI has been collaborating with Representatives Swalwell and Tenney to build support for the IRAN Act. By highlighting the detrimental impact internet censorship has on human rights in Iran, CHRI was able to help secure 10 cosponsors prior to the bill’s introduction. Internet freedom in Iran is essential for Iranian civil society to be able to freely and safely share information within the country and with the outside world. CHRI will accordingly continue to garner support for the IRAN Act and work with elected officials to develop more strategies to support the Iranian people and their democratic aspirations.
How Can You Support the Iran Act?
The most impactful way to support the IRAN Act is by contacting your members of Congress and urging them to cosponsor this critical legislation.
If you believe in standing with the Iranian people in their fight for democracy and human rights, take a few minutes to make your voice heard. Reach out to your representative today and let them know that supporting the IRAN Act matters to you. Every call, email, or letter brings us one step closer to ensuring internet freedom for the people of Iran.
