A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 (H.R.7622 / S. 3900), comprehensive legislation designed to support the Iranian people, expand internet freedom, and strengthen accountability for the Iranian regime’s human rights violations.
Importantly, the legislation incorporates bipartisan initiatives previously endorsed by PAAIA, including the Iran Protests Resolution (H.Res.993) and the FREEDOM Act (H.R.6469 / S.3360), which evaluates emerging communications technologies that could help maintain internet access during shutdowns.
The Senate version of the bill also incorporates key coordination elements aligned with the IRAN Act (H.R.7380) – including a stronger State Department leadership role, evaluation of VPN and direct-to-cell technologies, and strategies to counter nationwide internet shutdowns – creating a hybrid approach that combines technical innovation with more coordinated U.S. support for secure communications.
In the House, the bill was introduced by House Foreign Affairs Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee Chairman Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Ranking Member Brad Sherman (D-CA). Companion legislation was introduced by Senators Dave McCormick (R-PA) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV), reflecting strong bipartisan engagement in both chambers.
What the Legislation Does
The legislation responds to the Iranian regime’s continued use of censorship, intimidation, mass arrests, and nationwide internet shutdowns to suppress peaceful protests and conceal human rights abuses.
It would:
- Condemn the regime’s violent repression of protesters, the release of political prisoners
- Require detailed feasibility assessments of direct-to-cell, satellite, and other technologies
- Extend and increase the authorization of funding for the Iran Internet Freedom Grant Program under Section 5124 of FY NDAA.
- Expand access to secure communications tools for Iranian civilians
- Support independent Iranian media and journalists
- Require sanctions review of actors who enable censorship or human rights violations
House vs. Senate Approaches
While both versions share similar language and core objectives, they also take somewhat different approaches.
The House version directs the Defense Innovation Unit to develop and deploy tools capable of overcoming internet shutdowns. It also establishes an Iran Kleptocracy Initiative to expose corruption networks tied to regime officials.
The Senate version establishes an interagency working group to develop and deploy shutdown-circumvention technologies while expanding cybersecurity support and coordination across government agencies.
Together with the updated bipartisan IRAN Act, these complementary measures represent the most comprehensive set of Iran internet freedom initiatives Congress has proposed to date (see attached bill comparison table for more details).
PAAIA has long championed policies that promote internet freedom for the Iranian people. Given the strong alignment across these efforts, we strongly encourage the House Foreign Affairs Committee to jointly markup both the IRAN Act and the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act, and supports Senate consideration of these measures.
Ensuring that Iranians can safely access information and communicate with the outside world remains one of the most effective ways the United States can support the Iranian people’s pursuit of human rights and freedom.
