H.R.417 - End U.N. Censorship Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 417, the "End U.N. Censorship Act," aims to prohibit the use of U.S. contributions to the United Nations to support the iVerify tool developed by the United Nations Development Programme. The bill also targets any similar efforts that seek to label speech or expression as mal-, mis-, or disinformation. It was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 15, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict the Department of State and other federal agencies from funding the iVerify tool or similar initiatives through contributions to the UN or other international organizations. Any funds withheld would be permanently rescinded and deposited in the Treasury's general fund. This could impact the UN's ability to address disinformation, depending on the significance of US funding.
Potential Benefits
- Protects freedom of speech by preventing U.S. funds from supporting efforts to label speech as misinformation.
- Ensures U.S. taxpayer money is not used for potentially biased censorship initiatives.
- Reinforces national sovereignty by limiting U.S. financial support for international programs that may conflict with domestic values.
- Could lead to more responsible spending of U.S. contributions to international organizations.
- Prevents potential overreach by international bodies into domestic speech regulation.
Potential Disadvantages
- May hinder efforts to combat the spread of disinformation and malicious content online.
- Could strain relationships with the United Nations and other international partners.
- Limits the U.S.'s ability to influence international policies related to information integrity.
- May reduce the effectiveness of the UN Development Programme in addressing global challenges.
- Could be perceived as a retreat from international cooperation on important issues.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects freedom of speech. By preventing U.S. funds from supporting initiatives that could potentially censor or label speech, the bill reinforces this constitutional principle. However, the bill's impact on international cooperation and the U.S.'s role in global affairs may raise questions about its broader constitutional implications regarding the nation's foreign policy powers.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).