Elon Musk Activates Starlink in Iran, Bypassing Government Internet Blackout

Key Takeaways:

• Elon Musk has activated Starlink satellite internet service in Iran.
• The move aims to help protesters bypass a severe government-imposed internet shutdown.
• Experts call it a potential “game-changer” for communication and organising.
• The US has issued a licence to allow companies to provide internet services to Iran.

Elon Musk’s activation of Starlink in Iran is seen as a critical tool for demonstrators to communicate with the world, countering a near-total government internet blackout imposed during widespread protests.

Why Starlink Activation Matters

Iran has faced intense protests since the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody on September 16. The government’s crackdown has included blocking platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp and throttling internet speeds to prevent video uploads.

“The internet blackout in Iran is very serious. It’s a near-total internet shutdown,” said Mahsa Alimardani, a senior researcher at Article 19. “The activation of Starlink is a huge deal. It’s a game-changer.”

Musk announced the activation after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated the US was taking steps to advance “internet freedom” for Iranians.

“Starlink is now activated in Iran. It requires the use of terminals in-country, which I suspect the government will not support, but perhaps we can get terminals to people who need them,” Musk tweeted.

The Challenge of Getting Terminals In

Starlink requires physical terminals (satellite dishes) to connect. While a challenge, researcher Mahsa Alimardani notes terminals already exist in Iran, just unactivated. They could be smuggled in or brought by travellers.

“There are terminals in Iran. They are there. They are just not activated,” she said.

Iran’s History of Internet Suppression

The Iranian government has a sophisticated history of internet censorship during unrest, including a week-long shutdown in 2019 and severe throttling in 2021.

“It’s not just about blocking websites. It’s about throttling speeds, making it impossible to upload videos or pictures. It’s about creating a sense of fear and isolation,” Alimardani explained.

Starlink could break this isolation, allowing people to share stories, organise, and mobilise, though it is not a complete solution to state crackdowns.

US Support and Security Concerns

The US government has backed the move, with the Treasury issuing a general licence for companies to provide internet services to Iran. Blinken reiterated support for protesters’ fundamental rights.

While welcomed online, some warn the Iranian government could use Starlink for surveillance. Alimardani acknowledged the risk but said tools like VPNs could mitigate it.

Ultimately, the activation provides a crucial option. “For the first time in a long time, they have a way to get around the government’s internet blackout. That’s a big deal,” Alimardani concluded.