Congress Introduces Bill to Block Enforcement of Foreign Censorship Orders
Rep. Michael Rulli has introduced the GRANITE Act, a federal bill that would prevent U.S. courts from enforcing foreign censorship judgments against Americans and U.S. companies.
On Thursday, Rep. Michael Rulli (R-Ohio) unveiled the Guaranteeing Rights Against Novel International Tyranny and Extortion (GRANITE) Act, a federal proposal designed to nullify foreign censorship orders that violate American free-speech protections. The bill directs U.S. courts not to enforce any foreign judgment, fine, or demand arising from a censorship law and provides a pathway for individuals to obtain declaratory relief.
Tech-policy attorney Preston Byrne, who has defended U.S. platforms including 4chan against penalties from the U.K.’s Office of Communications under the Online Safety Act, authored the legislation. A companion state-level version has been introduced in Wyoming by Rep. Daniel Singh (R-Cheyenne). While the GRANITE Act targets all foreign regulators, it is being considered alongside bipartisan domestic online-safety initiatives such as the House-passed KIDS Act and the Senate’s Kids Online Safety Act, which have drawn criticism from free-speech groups for potential privacy and overreach concerns.
Why it matters
The bill seeks to protect U.S. free speech from foreign legal actions that could otherwise limit online expression.
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