Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act
Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act · H.R. 7622 / S. 3900 · 119th Congress
What it does
The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (HRIF) works to better U.S. efforts to protect Iranian freedom of speech, freedom of information, and human rights. The HRIF begins by requiring the State Department to update and further fund its existing Internet freedom strategy, which supports technologies like VPNs and peer-to-peer networks which allow Iranians to bypass censorship and shutdowns. Beyond internet access, HRIF calls for cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for journalists and human rights defenders in Iran. This would allow more documentation of human rights violations, and provide Iranians access to unbiased news. The bill creates a checking system as it requires congress to review the existing U.S.-funded programs to measure their effectiveness and explicitly states that nothing in it authorizes the use of military force.
Why it matters
The Iranian government heavily censors the Iranian network, shutting down internet access during periods of protest and unrest. This leaves civilians stranded, unable to communicate with friends, family, or the outside world. Further, information can neither get in nor out of Iran, creating the question of who really knows the state of Iranian civilians. This has led to a restriction of free speech, access to information, and other basic human rights with surveillance or arrest as punishment for speaking out.
How it affects us
If passed, HRIF could provide greater support for people in Iran seeking access to independent information, secure communication, and resources to protect and promote human rights. Here in the U.S., the bill would increase oversight for existing taxpayer-funded programs aiming to help Iranians, readjusting them to improve effectiveness. As Americans, the HRIF allows us to demonstrate principles at the root of our democracy, the right to freedom of speech, the ability to question the government, and access to information.
What you can say
To a Representative
Dear Representative [Rep’s Last Name], I am writing as a constituent to ask you to support the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (H.R. 7622) in the 119th Congress. As Americans, we cherish our right to freedom of speech, our ability to question the government, and our access to information. We represent these values on behalf of our country and of [City], in the eyes of people without these rights. The Iranian people are one such example. The Iranian government heavily censors the internet and has shut down access during periods of protest and unrest. When this happens, civilians and journalists are left unable to communicate their safety with family, friends or the outside world. Further, information can neither get in nor out, leaving the question of what is truly happening inside Iran. The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act would strengthen U.S. efforts to help Iranians maintain access to information and communicate more securely. It would expand support for technologies such as VPNs, peer-to-peer networks, and other tools that can help people bypass internet censorship and shutdowns. This would help the hundreds of thousands of Iranian Americans have a better way of knowing whether their loved ones are safe. It would also support cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for journalists and human rights defenders, helping them document human rights violations and share information with the outside world. Just as importantly, HRIF includes accountability for the programs it funds. Congress would review existing U.S.-funded efforts to determine whether they are actually effective, allowing resources to be adjusted when they are not. The bill also explicitly states that nothing in it authorizes the use of military force. This is about standing up for people's ability to speak, communicate, and access information without putting them in greater danger. As Americans, we should support those basic freedoms while ensuring our efforts are responsible, effective, and subject to oversight. I respectfully ask you to support the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act, become a cosponsor, and work to advance this legislation in the House of Representatives. Thank you for your time and for representing our community. Sincerely, [First Name] [Last Name]
To a Senator
Dear Senator [Senator’s Last Name], I am writing as a constituent to ask you to support the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act (S. 3900) in the 119th Congress. As Americans, we cherish our right to freedom of speech, our ability to question the government, and our access to information. We represent these values on behalf of our country and of [State], in the eyes of people without these rights. The Iranian people are one such example. The Iranian government heavily censors the internet and has shut down access during periods of protest and unrest. When this happens, civilians and journalists are left unable to communicate their safety with family, friends or the outside world. Further, information can neither get in nor out, leaving the question of what is truly happening inside Iran. The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act would strengthen U.S. efforts to help Iranians maintain access to information and communicate more securely. It would expand support for technologies such as VPNs, peer-to-peer networks, and other tools that can help people bypass internet censorship and shutdowns. This would help the hundreds of thousands of Iranian Americans have a better way of knowing whether their loved ones are safe. It would also support cybersecurity training and digital safety tools for journalists and human rights defenders, helping them document human rights violations and share information with the outside world. Just as importantly, HRIF includes accountability for the programs it funds. Congress would review existing U.S.-funded efforts to determine whether they are actually effective, allowing resources to be adjusted when they are not. The bill also explicitly states that nothing in it authorizes the use of military force. This is about standing up for people's ability to speak, communicate, and access information without putting them in greater danger. As Americans, we should support those basic freedoms while ensuring our efforts are responsible, effective, and subject to oversight. I respectfully ask you to support the Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act, become a cosponsor, and work to advance this legislation in the House of Representatives. Thank you for your time and for representing our community. Sincerely, [First Name] [Last Name]
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