Congresswoman Tenney Introduces the FREEDOM Act to Strengthen Efforts Promoting Internet Freedom in Iran
Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today joined Rep. Dave Min (CA-47) in introducing the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act, bipartisan legislation requiring the State Department, alongside the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Department of the Treasury, to fully assess emerging direct-to-cell technologies that could expand internet freedom for the Iranian people.
Senators Dave McCormick (PA) and Jacky Rosen (NV) introduced the Senate companion. Additional cosponsors of the legislation include Representatives Yassamin Ansari (AZ-3), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), James Walkinshaw (VA-11), and Rob Wittman (VA-1).
Under the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the State Department was required to report on ways to promote internet freedom in Iran. That report was submitted, but it did not fully evaluate new direct-to-cell satellite technology, an emerging tool that could allow smartphones to connect directly to satellites and bypass the Iranian regime’s censorship and government-controlled networks. Internet shutdowns, surveillance, and digital repression are among the regime’s most powerful tools to silence dissent, making it essential for the U.S. to examine every possible option to help Iranians access secure, uncensored communication. The FREEDOM Act ensures the State Department, the FCC, and the Treasury conduct a full feasibility review of these technologies, so Congress has the information needed to stay ahead of authoritarian tactics and support basic freedoms abroad.
“Authoritarian regimes increasingly rely on internet blackouts and surveillance to silence dissent and control information,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The Iranian people continue to risk their lives for basic freedoms, yet the regime is cutting them off from the outside world. Emerging direct-to-cell satellite technology may offer a new lifeline: secure, independent communication channels that cannot easily be censored or shut down. The FREEDOM Act ensures the U.S. government fully evaluates these fast-moving capabilities so we can strengthen America’s digital diplomacy, support free expression, and expand access to information in places where it is most at risk.”
“I’m proud to represent one of the largest Iranian American constituencies in the country. Too often, I hear from constituents who are unable to communicate with their loved ones in Iran because of Ali Khamenei’s repressive internet blackouts,” said Congressman Min. “This bill will promote internet freedom in Iran, better connecting families around the globe while standing up against authoritarianism.”
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