Iran Considers Criminalizing Starlink Over Military Concerns

Iran’s parliament has published a report that raises concerns about satellite internet technology, proposing criminalizing US-based Starlink in the Islamic Republic.

The report, titled "Analysis of the Status of Low-Orbit Satellite Internet Services in Iran," delves into the specific case of Starlink in Iran and worldwide, saying buying and selling the equipment in the country must be banned.

In the 30-page report, the authors present the governmental perspective on controlling satellite internet technology, considering both its current and future implications. One of the most important aspects of the report is the suggestion to use punitive measures and criminal policies to minimize perceived "threats" and to adopt innovation "without compromising national sovereignty."

The report describes Starlink, a US-based company under SpaceX, as a project with “military objectives,” posing potential threats to the national security of other countries.

One of the long-term scenarios outlined in the report for controlling access to satellite internet services involves the creation of a consortium with China and Russia, key allies of the regime.

In the last twenty years, Iran has enforced severe censorship policies on internet access, curtailing the freedom of its citizens to access information. The measures include the blocking of both foreign and domestic websites. Nonetheless, individuals have found ways to bypass these constraints through the widespread adoption of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).

Following the announcement of US sanctions exemptions for Starlink, access to the satellite internet services of this company became available to residents of Iran last October. Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, later confirmed that around 100 Starlink terminals had become operational in Iran.