Bill > S417

This bill, called the "Informing a Nation with Free, Open, and Reliable Media Act of 2025" (INFORM Act), aims to develop a comprehensive strategy for increasing access to independent information for Chinese citizens by establishing an interagency task force and creating new mechanisms to circumvent China's extensive internet censorship system. The bill recognizes the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) sophisticated digital information control regime, known as the "Great Firewall," which blocks foreign websites, censors content, and surveils citizens' online activities. To counter this, the legislation proposes establishing a Global News Service, increasing funding for circumvention tools like VPNs, supporting Mandarin Chinese-language content development, and coordinating efforts across multiple U.S. government agencies to create and distribute independent, fact-based news and information. The bill also seeks to engage Chinese citizens both inside and outside China, prioritize content about quality of life, human rights, and governance issues, and work with like-minded international partners to address the lack of reciprocity in the information space between the United States and China. Ultimately, the legislation frames increasing access to independent information as a national security priority that can help promote human rights, democratic values, and broader U.S. foreign policy objectives.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/417/all-info