SPIN Act

This bill would stop certain U.S. government-made news, media, and educational materials from being shared inside the United States, including territories and possessions. These materials could still be used overseas. Inside the U.S., people generally couldn’t receive or distribute them. However, they could be looked at in English at the State Department by members of the press, research students and scholars, and Members of Congress—“for examination only,” not for broad sharing.

In short, it tightens the rules so that content the government creates for audiences abroad isn’t spread at home, while still allowing limited on-site access for certain groups.

• Who is affected: The general public in the U.S.; U.S. press; students and scholars; Members of Congress.
• What changes: Government information meant for foreign audiences could not be disseminated in the U.S.; it could only be examined in person at the State Department by the groups listed above.
• Where it applies: The United States, its territories, and possessions.