H.R. 10832
IRAN Act
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Text of the bill
(a) Modifications and updates to comprehensive strategy To promote internet freedom and access to information in Iran
(1) Modifications. Section 414 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754) is amended—
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking Not later than and inserting
(a) Comprehensive strategy. Not later than—
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (11) and (12) as paragraphs (14) and (15), respectively;
(C) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new paragraphs:
(11) evaluate the use of virtual private networks, decentralized networks, peer-to-peer technologies, direct-to-cell satellite technologies, and other emerging circumvention tools by civil society and human rights activists in Iran and develop strategies for increasing access to and the availability of such networks and technologies found to be effective;
(12) work with the appropriate officials of the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Commerce to ensure that, consistent with applicable sanctions and export control laws and regulations, companies are able to provide to Iranian civilians technology and other tools necessary to access the open internet;
(13) assess the ability of the Iranian regime to cut off all access to the internet and develop a strategy to circumvent internet blackouts for Iranian civil society;
; and
(D) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(b) Updates. The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other Federal departments and agencies as appropriate, shall—
(1) regularly review the strategy under subsection (a); and
(2) submit to the appropriate congressional committees on a regular basis an updated strategy that—
(A) takes into account the results of such review; and
(B) includes with each such update the status of the implementation of such strategy, including an assessment of progress made toward promoting widespread internet freedom in Iran and expanding access to information for Iranian citizens and an evaluation of the degree to which efforts carried out by Federal departments and agencies that relate to digital freedom initiatives in Iran are effectively coordinated.
(2) Submission of updates
(A) First update. Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall—
(i) update, pursuant to subsection (b) of section 414 of the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (22 U.S.C. 8754), as added by paragraph (1), the strategy required by subsection (a) of such section 414; and
(ii) submit such updated strategy to the appropriate congressional committees.
(B) Form. The strategy under subparagraph (A) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(C) Subsequent updates. The Secretary should update the strategy required by subsection (a) of such section 414, in accordance with subsection (b) of such section, at least annually.