Bipartisan bills in both houses of Congress aim to challenge Iranian regime’s control of the internet

Bipartisan legislation to try to reduce the Iranian regime’s control over the internet in that country has been introduced in both houses of Congress.

The Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act would require the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury and the Federal Communications Commission to study new direct-to-cell technology that would let cell phones connect directly to satellites.

If it works, the new technology would give Iranians a way to bypass government censorship and control of the internet.

“Authoritarian regimes increasingly rely on internet blackouts and surveillance to silence dissent and control information,” stated Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), a lead sponsor of legislation.

“The Iranian people continue to risk their lives for b