Sec. 9. Confronting digital authoritarianism
192 words·~1 min read·
/bill/118/s/3854/is/section-9·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
It is the policy of the United States— to combat digital authoritarianism, including the use of digital technologies, that— restricts the exercise of civil and political rights; weakens democratic processes and institutions, including elections; or surveils, censors, or represses human rights defenders, democracy activists, civil society actors, independent media, or political opponents; to counter misinformation and disinformation, especially in the digital domain; to promote internet freedom and elevate the protection of human rights and democratic principles in the design and deployment of current and emerging technologies; and to support efforts to counter government censorship and surveillance, including efforts— to bypass internet shutdowns and other forms of censorship, including blocks on services through circumvention technologies; and to provide digital security and digital activism support and training for democracy activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and other at-risk groups.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, shall submit a report to the appropriate congressional committees that describes the Department of State's efforts to implement the policy objectives described in subsection (a).