Rep. Dave Min Condemns Iranian Internet Blackouts; Leads Bill to Expand Internet Freedom in Iran

Washington, D.C. - Following renewed, regime-imposed internet blackouts in Iran amid widespread protests, Representative Dave Min (D-CA-47) today condemned the Iranian regime's efforts to silence dissent and reaffirmed his support for the Iranian people's right to free expression connection to the outside world.

"I'm proud to represent one of the largest Iranian American communities in the country, and I hear constantly from constituents who are terrified when the Internet goes dark in Iran," said Rep. Min. "These blackouts are not about security. They are about silencing protestors, hiding violence, and isolating the Iranian people from the rest of the world. The United States must be clear: cutting off access to information is a human rights abuse, and we stand with the Iranian people."

In December, Rep. Min led a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in introducing the Feasibility Review of Emerging Equipment for Digital Open Media (FREEDOM) Act, legislation aimed at expanding internet freedomin Iran by evaluating emerging technologies that could help bypass state-imposed blackouts. The bill directs the Department of State, in coordination with the FCC and the Department of the Treasury, to assess the feasibility of direct-to-cell and related technologies that could keep people connected even when authoritarian regimes attempt to shut the internet down.

As Rep. Min discussed in a recent interview, internet shutdowns sever families' ability to communicate, undermine access to independent information, and make it harder for Iranians to safely organize and share the truth with the world. Yesterday's blackout underscores the urgency of pursuing solutions that promote secure, uncensored access to information.

Watch the full clip from Spectrum here.

###