A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. María Elvira Salazar, has introduced H.R. 7380, known as the Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act. The legislation is designed to improve internet freedom and access to information for people in Iran.
Iran is recognized as one of the most restrictive countries regarding internet censorship and surveillance. The government frequently implements nationwide internet shutdowns to suppress dissent and isolate its citizens from the rest of the world.
Rep. Salazar commented on the bill: “There is nothing dictators fear more than an educated and connected people. That is why the Ayatollah’s regime always moves first to shut down the internet — to silence the Iranian people’s cry for freedom. The IRAN Act creates a permanent strategy to keep Iranians connected, expand access to VPNs and satellite internet, and push back against regime censorship. From Iran to Cuba, access to information is the first step toward breaking the chains of tyranny.”
Rep. Eric Swalwell added: “Oppressive regimes fall when the illusion of their power breaks, and the people of Iran are ready to break through. 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.”
Congresswoman Claudia Tenney stated: “The Iranian people have shown extraordinary courage in demanding basic freedoms from a regime that fears open communication. 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.”
The IRAN Act instructs federal agencies led by the Secretary of State to develop a comprehensive plan promoting open internet use in Iran while making sure that U.S.-imposed sanctions do not prevent companies from providing technology needed for secure communication.
Key provisions include requirements for evaluating technologies such as virtual private networks (VPNs), satellite internet services, and direct-to-cell (DTC) satellite technologies used by civil society groups in Iran; ensuring these technologies remain accessible despite sanctions; assessing how effectively Iran can block all online activity; coordinating with other agencies like Treasury and Commerce; preventing new or modified FCC licenses from disabling coverage over Iran unless required by law; establishing programs through diplomatic channels offering cybersecurity training; providing digital safety tools; and authorizing $15 million per year during fiscal years 2027-2028 specifically aimed at supporting these efforts.
The bill has received endorsements from organizations such as Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA), FDD Action, Lantern, Psiphon, and NetFreedom Pioneers.