The 'Freedom' Campaign That Secures Geopolitical Interests
THE ACTORS: Who benefits from digital 'freedom'? The push for 'internet freedom' in sanctioned nations like Iran often features a revolving door of US government agencies, think tanks, and technology companies. Organizations such as the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), a US government-funded agency established in 1983, have consistently championed 'democracy promotion' work globally. The
NED, in particular, channels tens of millions of dollars annually to various groups, including those focused on media and communications in targeted states. The US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), overseeing Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, also plays a critical role, funded by over $800 million annually (USAGM, 2023 budget request). THE FUNDING: Following the digital
breadcrumbs. While the exact figures for internet circumvention tools are often opaque for security reasons, the broader 'internet freedom' initiative receives substantial funding. For example, the US State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) has historically allocated significant grants for internet freedom programs, including tools and training. Between 2010 and 2015,
DRL alone committed over $100 million to internet freedom initiatives, much of it directed at countries like Iran and China (Freedom House, 2015 report series). This funding often flows to US-based NGOs and tech companies specializing in VPNs, secure comms, and satellite internet solutions. The financial incentives are clear: US tech firms gain new markets, and US foreign policy gains new channels