Congresswoman Tenney Leads Bipartisan IRAN Act to Expand Internet Freedom for the Iranian People

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24)and Rep. Eric Swalwell (CA-14) today introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, bipartisan legislation to strengthen U.S. efforts to promote access to the open internet for Iranian civilians and support the Iranian people’s pursuit of basic human rights and democratic freedoms.

According to Freedom House, Iran has the third worst internet freedom score in the world. The Iranian regime routinely uses censorship, surveillance, and internet shutdowns to silence dissent, restrict communication, and isolate its citizens from the global community. Despite these efforts, the Iranian people continue to rely on internet access to organize peacefully, share information, and advocate for freedom.

The IRAN Act establishes, for the first time, a legal requirement that the U.S. government implement and periodically update its comprehensive strategy to promote access to the open internet for Iranian civilians. The legislation builds on existing law while updating U.S. policy to reflect the evolving tactics used by the Iranian regime to restrict access and suppress civil society.

“The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in demanding basic freedoms from a regime that fears open communication,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Instead of listening, the regime responds with censorship, surveillance, and internet shutdowns meant to isolate people from one another and from the world. The IRAN Act requires the U.S. government to implement and periodically update its strategy to expand access to the open internet for Iranian civilians. It ensures our sanctions are not unintentionally blocking essential communication tools and directs the State Department to address VPN access and internet blackouts head-on. This legislation is about matching the courage of the Iranian people with real, sustained support.”

Oppressive regimes fall when the illusion of their power breaks, and the people of Iran are ready to break through,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “Iranians want freedom, a mission I’ve always supported. That’s why I’m introduced the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act, to expand access to free internet for the Iranian people. Open internet access is a powerful tool for change and empowers the people to stand against the regime. Iranians want what people everywhere want: the freedom to choose their own future.”

Read full text here.

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