Protests in Iran Boosted by Starlink Internet Access
BANGKOK — Activists claim that the Starlink satellite internet service from SpaceX has significantly aided Iranian demonstrators in sharing information about nationwide protests. The service recently reduced its fees, allowing more individuals to bypass the Iranian government’s attempts to control information flow amidst the unrest.
This shift comes after a complete telecommunications blackout in Iran on January 8, where protests erupted over the country’s declining economy and currency. Though SpaceX has not formally announced this development, activists reported that Starlink became freely available to users in Iran as of Tuesday.
Mehdi Yahyanejad, who runs Net Freedom Pioneers to smuggle Starlink units into Iran, emphasized the importance of this service. He noted that raw footage showing numerous bodies at a forensic center near Tehran was made possible by Starlink, which he believes altered public perception regarding the protests’ severity.
According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, since demonstrations began on December 28, over 2,500 people have died, including both protesters and security personnel. Starlink, however, is technically illegal in Iran, as the government has never authorized its use, with fears among users that they could face espionage charges.
The initial Starlink devices reached Iran during protests against the country’s headscarf law in 2022, following Musk’s negotiation for the service to be exempt from sanctions. Since then, it’s estimated that over 50,000 units have been smuggled in. Users are reportedly taking significant precautions, including using VPNs and disguising the devices.
Ahmad Ahmadian, from Holistic Resilience, shared that, although Iranian authorities have attempted to disrupt Starlink signals, their effectiveness appears limited, especially outside major urban areas. Recently, he indicated that security forces have also been searching for users through various means, such as monitoring online traffic.
Despite the severe restrictions on communications since the protests started, Ahmadian expressed optimism that Starlink could facilitate greater information dissemination now that it is free to use. While Iranians have started to place international calls, incoming communications remain blocked.
In contrast to the 2019 protests, when the government successfully suppressed information for over a week, the current protests have seen a significant flow of data thanks to Starlink. Musk’s approach to aid during disasters raises questions about his potential actions regarding Iran, although Ahmadian believes that Musk would likely support an informed Iranian populace.
Julia Voo, from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, cautioned against becoming overly dependent on Starlink, highlighting the dangers of a centralized communication platform. She also noted that nations like China are already considering ways to counteract the advantages provided by Starlink.
