FREEDOM Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3360
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- International Affairs
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-10: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 328.
- Last Updated
- 2026-02-13T15:54:36Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The FREEDOM Act (S. 3360) aims to promote internet freedom in Iran by requiring an updated report on strategies to enhance access to unrestricted global internet, focusing on emerging technologies that can bypass government censorship and restrictions.
Key Provisions
- Report Requirement: Within 120 days of enactment, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC, which regulates communications) and the Department of the Treasury (which handles economic sanctions), must submit a report to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Content of the Report: The report updates and supplements an existing strategy from section 5124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (NDAA FY2025), which addresses internet access in Iran. It includes:
- An assessment of using direct-to-cell wireless technologies (satellite or space-based signals sent directly to cell phones) to expand internet access, covering technical feasibility, regulatory hurdles, and security risks.
- An analysis of how drone-based platforms, signal jamming (devices that block communications), and countermeasures affect the security, cost, and reliability of these technologies.
- A survey of telecommunications providers in Iran (both ground-based and space-based), including whether they are government-owned, levels of foreign investment, and how ownership impacts censorship and free communication.
- Additional information on opportunities and risks of various communication technologies in Iran.
- An evaluation of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet systems (like Starlink, orbiting closer to Earth for faster service) during the January 2026 Iranian protests, including their effectiveness, civil society's needs for reliable access during blackouts, jamming resistance, user costs, and recommendations for improvements. This section addresses security vulnerabilities for users and mitigation strategies, with a classified annex for sensitive details.
- An assessment of including commercial "off-the-shelf" technologies (readily available products like apps or devices) in the NDAA FY2025 grant program, focusing on their ability to enable uncensored internet access, integrate with existing tools, protect user data from Iranian government surveillance, and resist internet shutdowns.
- Form of the Report: Submitted as unclassified, but it may include a classified annex for sensitive information.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Builds directly on section 5124 of the NDAA FY2025 by requiring an update and expansion of its report and strategy on internet freedom in Iran.
- Introduces new elements not in the original NDAA provision, such as specific analyses of LEO satellites, direct-to-cell tech, drone/jamming impacts, telecom provider surveys, and eligibility of commercial technologies for grants. These additions address recent events like the 2026 protests and evolving technology threats.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Places workload on the State Department, FCC, and Treasury to collaborate on research and reporting, potentially influencing U.S. funding and technical assistance programs for internet access tools.
- On Citizens: Could indirectly benefit Iranian citizens and civil society by informing U.S. strategies to provide resilient internet during government-imposed blackouts, enhancing access to information, protests, and global communication.
- On International Relations: Strengthens U.S. focus on human rights in Iran, possibly escalating tensions with the Iranian government over censorship and surveillance, while encouraging international telecom providers to consider ethical implications of operating in restricted environments.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Government Entities: State Department (lead on foreign policy), FCC (technical expertise), Treasury (sanctions and economic analysis), and congressional foreign affairs committees (oversight).
- Iranian Stakeholders: Citizens, civil society groups, and protesters seeking uncensored internet; telecommunications providers operating in Iran (state-controlled or foreign-invested).
- Private Sector: Commercial satellite and telecom companies (e.g., LEO providers like SpaceX), technology developers eligible for U.S. grants, and off-the-shelf tech vendors.
- Broader International Actors: Foreign investors in Iranian telecom and global human rights organizations monitoring internet freedom.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces U.S. commitments under existing laws like the NDAA FY2025 without creating new enforcement mechanisms; the classified annex allows handling of sensitive national security information while maintaining public transparency.
- Constitutional: Aligns with First Amendment values by promoting free speech and information access abroad, though it operates through foreign policy rather than domestic rights.
- Political: Signals bipartisan U.S. support (introduced by senators from both parties) for countering Iranian internet controls, potentially shaping future sanctions or aid. It highlights geopolitical concerns over technology in authoritarian regimes, but avoids direct confrontation, focusing on assessment rather than action.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. McCormick, David [R-PA], Sen. Gallego, Ruben [D-AZ], Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-10: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 328.
- 2026-02-10: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2026-02-10: Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- 2026-01-29: Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-12-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 2025-12-04: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act — issued 2025-12-04 — PDF (3 pages)
- Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act — issued 2026-02-10 — PDF (8 pages)