On March 23, the Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), in partnership with FDD Action, led a broad coalition letter to the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee urging swift advancement of three complementary, bipartisan bills designed to expand internet freedom, strengthen human rights protections, and increase transparency for the Iranian people. The letter was signed by a diverse group of organizations, policy experts, former senior U.S. officials, and leading anti‑censorship technology companies providing services to users inside Iran.
This letter comes at a critical moment. Since early January, Iranians have faced intensified repression from the Islamic Republic, including widespread internet shutdowns used to suppress dissent and obscure state violence. These restrictions persist amid ongoing regional military conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, further isolating the Iranian people from the global community
The coalition urges Chairman Mast and Ranking Member Meeks to prioritize three key measures:
• The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (H.R. 7622)
• The Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act (H.R. 7380)
The advancement of these bills is essential. Ensuring that Iranians can have access to independent information and secure communication advances both fundamental human rights and U.S. national interests by promoting transparency, accountability, and the free flow of information in one of the world’s most heavily censored environments.
“The Iranian regime has repeatedly used internet shutdowns to isolate its people, conceal violence, and silence dissent,” said Morad Ghorban, Director of Government Affairs and Policy at PAAIA. “Expanding access to an open internet is critical for political organizing, the free exchange of ideas, and connecting Iranians to the outside world. These bipartisan measures represent the most comprehensive effort to date to support secure communications and empower Iranian civil society. A free and open internet is essential to any credible pathway toward a free and democratic Iran.”
“Passage of the FREEDOM Act; the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act; and the IRAN Act together would represent the most comprehensive congressional response yet to this crisis,” said Alexandria Paolozzi Moore, Senior Director of Government Relations at FDD Action. “We urge the House Foreign Affairs Committee to mark up these bills without delay and send a clear message: the United States stands with the Iranian people and will not allow a brutal regime to operate behind a digital curtain of impunity. “
PAAIA is grateful to its coalition partners for their support and urges the Committee to act quickly. PAAIA remains committed to advocating for policies that advance internet freedom and support the rights of the Iranian people.
Take Action
As these bills move through Congress, constituent engagement remains essential. PAAIA encourages supporters to contact their Members of Congress and urge swift action on these measures.
Our existing action alerts make it easy to raise your voice and help advance internet freedom for the Iranian people.
