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Global Online Freedom Act of 2006

Introduced: February 16, 2006 Introduced by: Smith, Christopher H. Republican · New Jersey See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 7 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Jun 22, 2006
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .
Jun 22, 2006
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 21, 2006
Referred to the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations.
Mar 17, 2006
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.
Feb 28, 2006
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E205-206)
Feb 16, 2006
Referred to the Committee on International Relations, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 16, 2006
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Global Online Freedom Act of 2006 - States that it is the policy of the United States to: (1) promote the ability of all to access and contribute information, ideas, and knowledge via the Internet; (2) use all instruments of U.S. influence, including diplomacy, trade policy, and export controls, to support, promote, and strengthen the free flow of information; and (3) prohibit any U.S. business from cooperating with officials of Internet-restricting countries in effecting potential censorship of online content.

Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should commence international negotiations to obtain the agreement of other countries to enact legislation similar to this Act and to pursue the development of international agreements protecting Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting or empowering an authoritarian foreign government to restrict online access to websites such as the Voice of America and other broadcasts and information, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests and undercutting efforts to promote freedom of information for all people.

Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require, in reports relating to foreign economic and security assistance, assessments of the freedom of electronic information in each foreign country.

Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom to take specified actions to strengthen global freedom of electronic information.

Directs the President to designate Internet-restricting countries.

Provides minimum standards for U.S. businesses with respect to the protection of online freedom in foreign countries.

Authorizes the establishment of export controls against Internet-restricting foreign countries.

What's happening now June 22, 2006

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote .

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
 Cosponsors 1
All 1 Democratic 1