Starlink Made Free in Iran: A Lifeline Amidst Danger
The recent wave of protests in Iran, which began in late December due to the economic collapse, has transformed into a broader call for political change. Amid this turmoil, Starlink, the satellite internet service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has reportedly made its service free for users in Iran after the government enacted a severe internet blackout on Thursday. This shutdown has isolated millions, cutting them off from vital communications, family connections, and access to information during a brutal crackdown on demonstrators.
Starlink: A Critical Communication Tool
– Starlink has emerged as an essential lifeline for many Iranians, enabling them to share information about the ongoing situation with the outside world.
– Two individuals in Iran confirmed to BBC Persian that their Starlink devices were operational even without any active subscription, supporting claims that the service has been made free.
– An organization dedicated to assisting Iranians in accessing the internet has also reported the free status of Starlink’s service in the country.
Though the service operates illegally in Iran, it is estimated that Starlink currently provides internet access to tens of thousands of users, making it one of the few remaining communication channels for those in the country.
Risks of Using Starlink in Iran
Using Starlink in Iran poses severe risks, including a potential two-year prison sentence. Authorities are actively searching for Starlink dishes to prevent internet connections. Individuals like Parsa (a pseudonym), who communicated with BBC Persian over Starlink, reported:
– Surveillance: They are checking rooftops and surrounding buildings.
– Caution Required: Those sharing footage of protests are particularly at risk, necessitating extreme caution.
Despite its high cost, the prospect of free access may encourage wider use of Starlink among Iranians.
Context of the Protests and Internet Shutdown
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, claimed the internet shutdown aimed to curb terrorist operations allegedly coordinated from abroad. Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, justified the restrictions by accusing foreign platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram of being used to incite violence.
Human rights organizations have condemned the complete blackout, labeling it an abuse of power. Reports indicate that over 2,400 protesters and nearly 150 security personnel have been killed amidst the unrest, although these figures are likely underestimated due to restricted reporting from within the country.
The Importance of Starlink
Currently, approximately 50,000 people in Iran are utilizing Starlink to access the internet. Mahsa Alimardani, an associate director at a tech-focused human rights organization, noted that Iranian authorities have attempted aggressive jamming of the service but have faced limited success, leading to physical confiscations of devices.
Some individuals are going to extreme lengths to share critical information. One man traveled nearly 1,000 km (620 miles) to a border region to use mobile networks from neighboring countries to upload distressing footage he had recorded.
Iran’s government maintains a stringent grip on free expression, employing digital surveillance and phishing techniques to monitor citizens. Access to many Western social media platforms is blocked, forcing users to rely on VPNs for connectivity. Despite this, Instagram remains incredibly popular, with an estimated 50 million users in Iran.
Conclusion: The Indispensable Role of Starlink
While some news from Iran manages to circulate online, experts warn that the Iranian government is intent on controlling the narrative by strictly managing what information spills out. Ana Diamond from the Oxford Disinformation and Extremism Lab remarked on the government’s strategic manipulation of information to normalize casualties and diminish public resistance.
Despite the inherent dangers of utilizing Starlink, for many Iranians, it has become an indispensable tool for sharing their realities with the world. As Parsa poignantly stated, I’d rather not think about it [getting caught]. It can be very frightening. Recent reports indicate that Iranian intelligence has also seized a significant amount of Starlink equipment, framing it as part of espionage and sabotage operations, although multiple sources confirm that these kits are primarily used for unfiltered communication.
In a time of crisis, Starlink represents not just a means of connectivity, but a crucial bridge to international awareness, despite the risks involved.