Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 | ChamberLight
Bills · S 3900
REPORTED· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3900International Affairs
Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 24· LAST ACTION JUN 17
READING
14MIN
COSPONSORS
17BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 3 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it directly addresses the ongoing issues of human rights abuses and severe internet censorship in Iran, which have gained international attention, especially during recent protests. If it becomes law, it would formalize and strengthen U.S. efforts to provide practical support for Iranians to circumvent government restrictions on communication. This could empower protestors, activists, and everyday citizens by giving them tools to organize, share information, and report on human rights violations, potentially increasing pressure on the Iranian government.
Without this bill, U.S. efforts to promote internet freedom in Iran might continue but without the centralized coordination, specific focus on new technologies like direct-to-cell satellite, or the updated strategic directives outlined. Voters who care about human rights, free speech, and the ability of people in oppressive regimes to communicate freely would find this bill significant as it aims to provide tangible support for these values.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Designates the Secretary of State as the lead official for promoting internet freedom in Iran and coordinating all related U.S. government efforts.
This centralizes responsibility within the U.S. government, aiming for a more focused and efficient approach to supporting internet access in Iran.
PROVISION 02
Requires updates to an existing internet freedom strategy to evaluate virtual private networks (VPNs) and direct-to-cell satellite technologies for increased accessibility in Iran.
This provision focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to bypass government censorship and internet blackouts, directly aiding those in Iran seeking uncensored information.
PROVISION 03
Mandates cooperation between the Departments of State, Treasury, and Commerce to ensure U.S. sanctions do not prevent companies from providing internet access tools to Iranian civilians.
This ensures that efforts to pressure the Iranian regime do not inadvertently harm ordinary citizens' ability to access the open internet.
PROVISION 04
Requires a new report assessing the feasibility of using direct-to-cell wireless communications to expand internet access in Iran, including technical and security considerations.
This pushes for exploration of innovative and potentially resilient methods for providing internet access, which could be crucial during government-imposed shutdowns.
PROVISION 05
States U.S. policy to support the human rights of Iranians, facilitate unrestricted internet access, and fully enforce sanctions against human rights violators.
This clearly articulates the U.S. government's intent to actively support the Iranian people against repression and hold the regime accountable.
This bill matters because it directly addresses the ongoing issues of human rights abuses and severe internet censorship in Iran, which have gained international attention, especially during recent protests. If it becomes law, it would formalize and strengthen U.S. efforts to provide practical support for Iranians to circumvent government restrictions on communication. This could empower protestors, activists, and everyday citizens by giving them tools to organize, share information, and report on human rights violations, potentially increasing pressure on the Iranian government.
Without this bill, U.S. efforts to promote internet freedom in Iran might continue but without the centralized coordination, specific focus on new technologies like direct-to-cell satellite, or the updated strategic directives outlined. Voters who care about human rights, free speech, and the ability of people in oppressive regimes to communicate freely would find this bill significant as it aims to provide tangible support for these values.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Designates the Secretary of State as the lead official for promoting internet freedom in Iran and coordinating all related U.S. government efforts.
This centralizes responsibility within the U.S. government, aiming for a more focused and efficient approach to supporting internet access in Iran.
high
Requires updates to an existing internet freedom strategy to evaluate virtual private networks (VPNs) and direct-to-cell satellite technologies for increased accessibility in Iran.
This provision focuses on leveraging advanced technologies to bypass government censorship and internet blackouts, directly aiding those in Iran seeking uncensored information.
med
Mandates cooperation between the Departments of State, Treasury, and Commerce to ensure U.S. sanctions do not prevent companies from providing internet access tools to Iranian civilians.
This ensures that efforts to pressure the Iranian regime do not inadvertently harm ordinary citizens' ability to access the open internet.
med
Requires a new report assessing the feasibility of using direct-to-cell wireless communications to expand internet access in Iran, including technical and security considerations.
This pushes for exploration of innovative and potentially resilient methods for providing internet access, which could be crucial during government-imposed shutdowns.
high
States U.S. policy to support the human rights of Iranians, facilitate unrestricted internet access, and fully enforce sanctions against human rights violators.
This clearly articulates the U.S. government's intent to actively support the Iranian people against repression and hold the regime accountable.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of State reviews and updates the comprehensive strategy for promoting internet freedom in Iran.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of State submits the updated strategy to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of the Act
Secretary of State, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of the Treasury, prepares and submits an internet freedom report.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Civil society
Organizations and groups that are not part of the government or private businesses, such as charities, community groups, and advocacy organizations.
Sanctions
Economic or political penalties imposed by one country on another to pressure it into changing its policies, such as restricting trade or financial transactions.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Services that create a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network, often used to bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites.
Direct-to-cell satellite technologies
Technology that allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites for communication, potentially providing internet access in areas without traditional cell towers or during internet blackouts.
Regime
A government, especially an authoritarian one, or the set of rules or principles that govern a system.
Internet blackouts
When a government or authority intentionally shuts down or severely restricts internet access in a specific area, often to suppress protests or control information.
Unclassified form
ACTION TIMELINE
4 EVENTS
JUN 17
Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
COMMITTEE
FEB 24
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 24
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 24
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
