Bill would support tools that help Hong Kong users bypass censorship

The State Department would have to establish an internet freedom program for Hong Kong, while the Open Technology Fund could establish its own program. The required program would be housed in the State Department's human rights bureau; the optional program would be run by the Open Technology Fund. If both programs exist, they would operate independently but coordinate with other organizations represented in the working group. The Secretary of State could form a group of specified federal and Open Technology Fund officials to develop an internet access strategy for Hong Kong. From enactment through September 30, 2031, the programs would remain separate from mainland China work. Starting October 1, 2031, each could be combined with that work or kept separate.

The Secretary of State could award grants to private groups for internet freedom programs in Hong Kong. Grants could support tools and services that provide access to information, bypass online censorship, and improve digital security in Hong Kong. Awards would have to go to multiple suppliers through an open, fair, competitive, and evidence-based process. Any new technology developed with a grant would need a comprehensive security audit. The text would authorize, but not actually provide, $5 million yearly for the Open Technology Fund and $10 million yearly for the State Department program. For fiscal year 2027, the Secretary could use money from the Human Rights and Democracy Fund. The separate annual funding authorization would cover fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with money remaining available until spent.

The Secretary of State and the interagency working group would have to give Congress a classified strategic plan. The plan would cover improving internet access in Hong Kong, including tools to bypass blocks, support for people at high risk, and grant plans. It would also address agency coordination and global internet rules. The report would have to be classified and sent to the named Senate and House foreign policy, spending, and intelligence committees. The report would be due no later than 120 days after enactment and would include plans for fiscal year 2027.