PAAIA applauds the introduction of the FREEDOM Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Representatives Dave Min (D-CA) and Claudia Tenney (R-NY) introduced the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, bipartisan legislation that would strengthen U.S. efforts to promote internet freedom in Iran. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Dave McCormick (R-PA) are leading the bill in the U.S. Senate. PAAIA applauds the introduction of the FREEDOM Act and thanks Representatives Min and Tenney and Senators Rosen and McCormick for their bipartisan leadership in advancing digital freedom.
The FREEDOM Act directs the Department of State, in consultation with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of the Treasury, to conduct a comprehensive feasibility review of the future of direct-to-cell satellite and related communications technologies that could help circumvent internet restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime. This legislation supplements a previous congressional directive under Section 5124 of the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which required a strategy for promoting internet freedom in Iran but did not include a detailed technical analysis.
The Iranian government continues to deploy widespread censorship, internet shutdowns, and digital surveillance to silence dissent and limit the free flow of information. Despite these challenges, millions of Iranians rely on digital communication to connect with the outside world, organize civil society, and access independent news.
According to PAAIA’s 2025 national public opinion survey:
- 88% of Iranian Americans have family currently living in Iran;
- 61% communicate with their relatives several times a year, and 43% do so monthly or more using internet platforms;
- 77% say regime-imposed internet restrictions have negatively affected their ability to stay in touch.
The FREEDOM Act would ensure the U.S. government fully explores how new satellite-based innovations—such as direct-to-cell communication—could offer a secure and resilient pathway for Iranians to access uncensored information without relying on regime-controlled telecommunications infrastructure.
The bill has been introduced with strong bipartisan support. In the House, original cosponsors include Representatives Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), María Elvira Salazar (R-FL), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), James Walkinshaw (D-VA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Cory Mills (R-FL), Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), and Brad Sherman (D-CA).
PAAIA urges Congress to advance the FREEDOM Act swiftly and ensure that U.S. foreign policy continues to support the democratic aspirations and human rights of the Iranian people. We remain committed to promoting internet freedom and ensuring Iranian Americans can stay connected with their loved ones abroad.
Click here to contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the FREEDOM Act.
