Bill Summary
The "FREEDOM Act" is legislation aimed at enhancing internet freedom in Iran by requiring the U.S. Secretary of State to prepare a comprehensive report within 120 days of its enactment. This report will build upon prior assessments mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. Key components of the report will include:
1. **Feasibility Assessment**: Evaluation of direct-to-cell wireless technologies to improve internet access in Iran, considering technical, regulatory, and security aspects.
2. **Analysis of Technologies**: Examination of how drone technologies and signal-jamming may affect the viability and security of proposed communication methods.
3. **Telecommunications Survey**: Investigation of current telecommunications providers in Iran, focusing on ownership structure (state-controlled vs. private), foreign investment, and implications for communication freedom and censorship.
4. **Opportunities and Risks**: Additional relevant information to understand the landscape of communication technologies in Iran.
The report will be submitted in an unclassified format, with the option to include a classified annex if necessary. This legislation reflects ongoing efforts to support digital rights and freedoms in repressive environments.
Possible Impacts
The "FREEDOM Act," as outlined in the provided text, could affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Internet Access for Iranians**: The report's assessment of the feasibility of using direct-to-cell wireless communications technologies aims to expand internet access for the people of Iran. If implemented, this could allow Iranians greater access to information, social media, and communication platforms, enhancing their ability to connect with the outside world and engage in free expression.
2. **Impact on Censorship and Information Control**: By analyzing the ownership and control of telecommunications providers in Iran, the report could lead to a better understanding of how state-owned or state-controlled entities affect communications freedom and censorship. This knowledge could empower advocacy groups and international organizations to push for reforms that enhance internet freedom and reduce government surveillance and censorship.
3. **Challenges from Security Measures**: The report's examination of drone-based platforms and signal-jamming technologies highlights potential security challenges related to internet access in Iran. If the findings indicate that such technologies could threaten the security of communications, it might lead to increased government crackdowns on internet usage or more sophisticated censorship tactics, ultimately affecting the ability of the Iranian populace to communicate freely and securely.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6469 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6469
To require a report on internet freedom in Iran.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 4, 2025
Mr. Min (for himself, Ms. Tenney, Ms. Ansari, Ms. Salazar, Mr. Goldman
of New York, Mr. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Subramanyam, Mr. Bilirakis, Mr.
Walkinshaw, Mr. Wittman, Mr. Swalwell, Mr. Mills, and Mr. Sherman)
introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To require a report on internet freedom in Iran.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Feasibility Review of Emerging
Equipment for Digital Open Media Act'' or the ``FREEDOM Act''.
SEC. 2. REPORT ON INTERNET FREEDOM IN IRAN.
(a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of the Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
Federal Communications Commission and the Department of the Treasury,
shall prepare and submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate a report that updates and supplements the report required under
section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2025 (Public Law 118-159).
(b) Additional Matters To Be Included.--Updates to the strategy
required in section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118-159), shall also include the
following:
(1) An assessment of the feasibility of using direct-to-
cell wireless communications technologies to expand internet
access for the people of Iran, including technical, regulatory,
and security considerations.
(2) An analysis of how drone-based platforms, signal
jamming technologies, and related countermeasures could impact
the feasibility, security, economics, and resilience of such
direct-to-cell wireless communications.
(3) A survey of terrestrial and non-terrestrial
telecommunications service providers currently active in Iran,
including--
(A) whether such providers are state-owned or
state-controlled;
(B) the extent of foreign participation or
investment in such providers; and
(C) the implications of such ownership and control
for communications freedom and censorship.
(4) Any other relevant information to assess the
opportunities and risks associated with terrestrial and non-
terrestrial communications technologies in Iran.
(c) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted
in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
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