Washington, D.C. – It has been more than five weeks since protests erupted across thousands of locations throughout Iran, as people took to the streets to demand dignity, freedom, and fundamental human rights. In response, the Islamic Republic has intensified its repression—using lethal force, carrying out mass arrests, and deliberately restricting internet access to silence dissent and isolate communities.
As these events continue to unfold, it is imperative that the international community move beyond statements of concern and take concrete action. Standing with the people of Iran means ensuring they are not cut off from the world during moments of crisis. One such step is supporting the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act.
What Is the IRAN Act?
The bipartisan, updated IRAN Act was introduced by Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Dave Min (D-CA), and Stephanie Bice (R-OK). The legislation strengthens the United States’ commitment to promoting internet freedom and supporting civil society in Iran.
The IRAN Act recognizes that access to secure, uncensored communication is essential for civic participation, human rights documentation, and personal safety—particularly under authoritarian regimes that rely on digital repression to maintain control.
What the IRAN Act Does
The IRAN Act would:
- Require the U.S. Department of State to implement and regularly update a comprehensive, whole-of-government strategy to promote internet freedom in Iran
- Expand U.S. policy tools by increasing access to VPNs, satellite internet, and direct-to-cell technologies
- Ensure sanctions enforcement does not unintentionally block access to essential circumvention and digital safety tools
- Assess the regime’s capacity to impose nationwide internet blackouts and develop strategies to counter them
- Require FCC-issued satellite or direct-to-cell licenses to refrain from disabling or geo-blocking coverage over Iran unless required by law
- Establish programs within the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to provide cybersecurity training and digital safety tools
- Authorize $15 million annually for fiscal years 2027 and 2028 to support these efforts
- Mandate regular reporting to Congress on implementation, with the option for a classified annex
Why It Matters
When the Iranian regime restricts internet access, it does more than disrupt communication—it cuts people off from emergency services, independent information, and the global community. Digital blackouts are a central tool of repression, designed to obscure human rights abuses and prevent collective action.
By supporting the IRAN Act, the United States can help ensure that Iranians retain access to the tools they need to stay connected, organize safely, and make their voices heard. The legislation strengthens U.S. leadership on digital freedom and reinforces a values-based approach to human rights and democracy.
Take Action
Supporting the IRAN Act is a meaningful, concrete way to stand with the people of Iran. We encourage you to contact your Representative and U.S. Senators and urge them to support this critical legislation.
