The Iran Internet Freedom Act authorizes the U.S. government to strengthen efforts promoting internet access and freedom of information in Iran. The bill requires the Secretary of State to update a comprehensive internet freedom strategy within 120 days of enactment and to periodically review and update it thereafter, incorporating new provisions on virtual private networks, sanctions enforcement, and strategies to counter internet blackouts by the Iranian government. The legislation also authorizes grants of fifteen million dollars annually for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 to private organizations, including the Open Technology Fund, to develop and distribute internet freedom technology programs that support unrestricted access, online human rights exercise, and digital safety education for Iranian activists, journalists, and civil society organizations. Grant recipients will be selected through a competitive process and their technologies will undergo security audits to protect both U.S. interests and program beneficiaries. This funding aims to equip Iranians with tools to circumvent government censorship and access information freely.
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