This bill responds to the Iranian government's violent crackdown on 2026 protests by directing U.S. efforts to expand internet access, support human rights, and hold regime officials accountable. It designates the Secretary of State as the lead official for coordinating internet freedom initiatives in Iran, requiring updated strategies on circumvention tools like VPNs and mesh networks, and mandates reports assessing satellite technology, telecommunications ownership, and the regime's ability to shut down internet access. The legislation extends and increases funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program through fiscal year 2030, establishes cybersecurity training and digital-safety programs for Iranian journalists and activists, and creates a strategy to bolster independent media and civil society support. It also requires a GAO audit of past Near East Regional Democracy program spending and a process for Congress to request administration determinations on whether specific individuals have supported Iranian censorship or repression, with sanctions accountability. All funding comes from existing State Department authorizations, and the bill explicitly does not authorize military force or override existing sanctions and export control laws.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.