US lawmakers and government officials are pushing for $10 million in funding to expand VPN and anticensorship technology in Iran. About 25 million Iranians need this help to bypass the government’s strict internet censorship during ongoing unrest. The Open Technology Fund (OTF), which supports internet freedom, currently can only help 7.5 million users but is struggling to get more funds. "We need these funds yesterday," said Laura Cunningham, OTF president. She warned that without quick funding, millions of VPN users in Iran might lose access as soon as next week. The funding usually flows from the State Department to the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM), and then to OTF. However, there is a disagreement on the best method to send the extra $10 million. Kari Lake, USAGM Deputy CEO, suggested using OTF’s own budget instead of the usual slow process, but senators Lindsey Graham and James Lankford rejected that idea, saying it would hurt other global VPN efforts in China, Cuba, and Russia. Lake emphasized ongoing efforts, stating, "Support is on the way to ensure a steady flow of information – as fast as possible – through VPNs and a variety of other mechanisms." The State Department also promised to expand capabilities and work with international partners to share costs. Democratic Senators Jacky Rosen and Cory Booker joined Republicans in urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to release the funds quickly, stressing that without this aid, "millions of Iranians will lose their last secure window and voice to the outside world." Due to US sanctions, Iranians cannot pay for these services themselves, so nonprofits like OTF provide them for free. VPNs also help protect users’ identities and support safe use of Elon Musk’s Starlink internet terminals, which provide access when Iranian authorities shut down traditional internet. Without these tools, Iranians face harsh censorship and risk government persecution while trying to communicate freely.