The Internet Reach and Access Now Act establishes a program to counter Iranian internet censorship by funding technologies like VPNs and eSIMs, safeguarding satellite access, and training civil society groups to ensure the free flow of information.
Eric Swalwell
Representative
CA-14
The Internet Reach and Access Now (IRAN) Act establishes a program to counter Iranian government censorship by providing technologies and support to help citizens access the open internet. It directs the Secretary of State to coordinate efforts, update strategies to ensure sanctions don't block access tools, and safeguard satellite coverage over Iran. The bill authorizes significant funding to support these initiatives, including cybersecurity training for Iranian civil society.
IRAN Act Authorizes $50 Million Annually to Provide VPNs and eSIMs to Iranian Civilians to Bypass Government Censorship.
The Internet Reach and Access Now Act (IRAN Act) establishes a massive federal push to keep the internet open for people in Iran. It directs the Secretary of State to set up a formal program that hands out tools like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and eSIM technology directly to Iranian citizens. The goal is simple: make sure that when the Iranian government tries to pull the plug on the web during protests or emergencies, regular people still have a digital lifeline to the outside world. To back this up, the bill authorizes $50 million every year from 2025 through 2029 to fund the tech, the training, and the infrastructure needed to keep these connections alive.
Digital Tools for the Ground Level
This bill isn't just about high-level diplomacy; it’s about putting hardware and software into hands. By providing eSIMs—which allow someone to activate a cellular plan remotely without a physical card—and VPNs, the U.S. is essentially trying to build a digital 'back door' for Iranian activists and families. Think of it like giving a small business owner in Tehran a secure, encrypted tunnel to check their email or a student the ability to bypass a government firewall to see the news. Section 5 specifically targets journalists and human rights defenders, offering them cybersecurity training and vetted messaging apps so they don't get caught in regime-controlled 'phishing' traps that could lead to their arrest.
Safeguarding the Sky
One of the most interesting parts of this bill involves the satellites orbiting above us. Section 4 tells the FCC that if a company wants a new license for satellite or 'Direct-to-Cell' (DTC) services, they have to promise not to 'geoblock' or intentionally degrade their signal over Iran. Imagine a satellite company like Starlink or a similar provider; under this bill, they couldn't just flip a switch to turn off coverage for Iran unless there's a specific security threat to their network. It’s a way of ensuring that the 'space-based' internet stays on, even if the wires on the ground are cut by the local government.
Cutting Through the Red Tape
A common headache with international policy is when one hand of the government doesn't know what the other is doing. This bill tries to fix that by making the Secretary of State the 'quarterback' for all internet freedom efforts in Iran. It specifically tells the Treasury and Commerce Departments to make sure their sanctions don't accidentally scare off tech companies from helping. For example, if a U.S. company is afraid to offer a free VPN because they’re worried about violating a trade ban, this bill requires the government to clear that path. While the bill is clear that it won't allow illegal money laundering or prohibited trade, it wants to make sure the 'good guys' in tech aren't penalized for helping civilians stay connected.