H.R. 6469: Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act

This bill, known as the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media Act (FREEDOM Act), outlines specific actions to be taken regarding internet freedom in Iran. The main requirement of the bill is for the Secretary of State to prepare a report within 120 days after its enactment. Here are the key components:

Report Requirements

• The report must be submitted to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
• It will update and supplement a previously required report as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025.

Contents of the Report

The report should include:

• Assessment of Direct-to-Cell Technology: An evaluation of the feasibility of using direct-to-cell wireless communication technologies to enhance internet access for the people of Iran, considering technical, regulatory, and security aspects.
• Impact of Technologies on Communication Feasibility: An analysis of how the use of drone-based platforms, signal jamming technologies, and countermeasures might affect the viability, security, economics, and resilience of direct-to-cell communications.
• Survey of Telecommunications Providers: An examination of the telecommunications service providers active in Iran, covering:
  • Whether they are state-owned or state-controlled.
  • The level of foreign investment or participation in these providers.
  • The implications of such ownership for communication freedom and censorship.
• Other Relevant Information: Any additional information that could help assess the opportunities and risks linked to both terrestrial and non-terrestrial communications technologies in Iran.

Format of the Report

The report will be provided in an unclassified format, but it may include a classified annex if necessary.

Overall Purpose

The overall purpose of this legislation is to create a clearer understanding of the landscape of internet freedom in Iran, with a focus on potential technological solutions to enhance access and mitigate issues related to censorship and communication barriers.

Relevant Companies

• None found