HR 491 · 113th Congress · International Affairs

Global Online Freedom Act of 2013

Introduced 2013-02-04· Sponsored by Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]· House

Bill Progress

Introduced
2
Committee
3
House Vote
4
Senate
5
Enacted
Latest: Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations.(2013-02-25)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Global Online Freedom Act of 2013 - Makes it U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information without interference or discrimination; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship. Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) U.S. businesses operating in foreign countries should ensure online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, promote the security of Internet users, and limit censorship of protected political and religious speech and information. Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of freedom of expression with respect to electronic information in each foreign country. Directs the Secretary of State to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require each Internet communications service company that operates in an Internet-restricting country to include in its annual report…

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only

Cosponsors (2)

1 Democrat1 Republican