Bill · S. 3900· Senate(119-S-3900)
Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/24/2026
- Last activity
- 7/27/2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 504.
- Sponsored by
- David McCormick
- Cosponsors
- - 9 - 10
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
The Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026 aims to support the Iranian people's right to self-determination and human rights. It focuses on expanding open and uncensored internet access through new technologies and strategies. The bill authorizes the Secretary of State to coordinate efforts to counter internet shutdowns and provide cybersecurity training to civil society. It also establishes strategies to enhance independent news coverage and support journalists in Iran. Additionally, the bill mandates reports and evaluations to ensure accountability for federal spending.
Yes· 3 of 19
Does this get reliable internet to more people?+9
The core objective is to expand open, uncensored internet access and circumvent blackouts in Iran.
Does this protect what people are allowed to say in public life?+8
The bill aggressively promotes uncensored internet access and independent news for the people of Iran.
Does this protect the individual right to speak freely?+8
The bill aims to protect and promote free expression and independent journalism in Iran.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Expansion of Internet Access: The bill seeks to facilitate open, uncensored internet and civilian communication lines for the people of Iran to connect domestically and globally (Section 2(b)(2)).
- Support for Human Rights and Civil Society: It promotes programs to assist Iranian civil society in documenting and reporting human rights abuses (Section 2(b)(3)).
- Protection of Communication Tools: The bill directs the government to ensure that sanctions do not stop companies from providing civilians with the tools needed to access the open internet (Section 3(b)(3)).
- Technological Support for Freedom: It authorizes the development of low-cost, scalable technologies like mesh networking and portable communication systems to overcome internet blackouts (Section 4(c)(1)-(2)).
- Support for Independent Media: The bill creates strategies to provide grants for equipment and training to independent Iranian journalists and media outlets (Section 5(a)(2)(C)).
- Cybersecurity Training: It establishes programs to provide cybersecurity training and digital-safety tools, such as encrypted messaging and VPNs, to journalists and human rights defenders (Section 6(a)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Risk of Detection: The bill acknowledges that technologies used to bypass censorship must be assessed for "detectability by hostile governments" and "security risks to civilians," implying that using these tools could put individuals at risk (Section 4(c)(2)(D) and 4(c)(3)(E)).
- Sanctions on Family Members: The policy includes the full enforcement of sanctions against not only human rights violators but also their family members (Section 2(b)(4)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8Improves Gender Equality+5Improves Voting Access+5Improves Voting Rights+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Cybersecurity Defense+7Increases Foreign Aid+6Improves International Alliances+4Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Women+7Good For Students+4Good For Young Adults+4Good For Middle Aged+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves Internet Access+9Improves Data Privacy+6Increases Scientific Research Funding+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Freedom Of Speech+8Improves Privacy Rights+6Improves Government Transparency+4
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+2
- 8/7/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/27/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 504.
- 6/17/2026
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 6/16/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/10/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 3/11/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/3/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/26/2026
- 6 Cosponsors added.
- 2/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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