S.417 - Informing a Nation with Free, Open, and Reliable Media Act of 2025; INFORM Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.417, the INFORM Act of 2025, aims to increase access to independent information for Chinese citizens by developing a strategy and establishing an interagency task force. The bill seeks to counter Chinese censorship and propaganda efforts by promoting free and reliable media. It also establishes a Global News Service to curate and distribute uncensored China-related news.
Expected Effects
The INFORM Act is likely to increase the flow of independent information to Chinese citizens, potentially fostering greater awareness of global events and alternative perspectives. This could lead to increased pressure on the Chinese government to relax its censorship policies. The Act may also improve the United States' international standing by demonstrating a commitment to freedom of information.
Potential Benefits
- Promotes freedom of information and expression for Chinese citizens.
- Counters Chinese government censorship and propaganda.
- Enhances U.S. public diplomacy efforts.
- Supports human rights and democratic values.
- May improve U.S. international standing.
Potential Disadvantages
- May strain U.S.-China relations.
- Could be perceived as interference in China's internal affairs.
- The effectiveness of circumvention tools may be limited by Chinese technological advancements.
- The cost of implementing the strategy could be significant.
- Potential for unintended consequences or misuse of information.
Constitutional Alignment
The INFORM Act aligns with the First Amendment's principles of freedom of speech and the press, although these protections primarily apply within the United States. While the Constitution does not explicitly address international information dissemination, the Act's goals of promoting free information align with broader constitutional values. The Act does not infringe upon any specific constitutional provision and can be seen as an extension of American values abroad.
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).