Sec. 104. Annual designation of Internet-restricting countries; report

273 words·~1 min read·/bill/113/hr/491/ih/section-104

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall designate Internet-restricting countries for purposes of this Act. A foreign country shall be designated as an Internet-restricting country if the Secretary of State, after consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, determines, based on the review of the evidence that the government of the country is directly or indirectly responsible for a systematic pattern of substantial restrictions on Internet freedom during any part of the preceding 1-year period.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of State shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains the following: The name of each foreign country that at the time of the transmission of the report is designated as an Internet-restricting country under subsection (a). An identification of each government agency and quasi-government organization responsible for the substantial restrictions on Internet freedom in each foreign country designated as an Internet-restricting country under subsection (a).

A description of efforts by the United States to counter the substantial restrictions on Internet freedom referred to in subparagraph (B), including a description and details of programs funded under any other provision of law with the purpose of promoting Internet freedom. A description of the evidence used by the Secretary of State to make the determinations under subsection (a)(2). The information required by paragraph (1)(C) may be provided in a classified form if necessary.

All unclassified portions of the report shall be made publicly available on the Internet Web site of the Department of State.