Iran Hunts Starlink Users Amid Internet Blackout to Block Protest Footage
Iranian authorities are actively hunting down users of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service. Human rights groups report this crackdown aims to prevent videos and images of ongoing violent protests from reaching a global audience.
Internet Blackout and Rising Death Toll
The government in Tehran has imposed a near-total internet blackout across the country. This drastic measure seeks to curb the spread of information and shield its deadly crackdown on protesters from international scrutiny.
According to the Associated Press, the death toll from nationwide protests has now surpassed 2,500 people. Security forces continue their violent suppression of demonstrators. People are protesting economic distress and expressing broader opposition to the Khamenei regime.
Starlink Emerges as a Critical Lifeline
Iran cut off public internet access last week as protests spread to several cities. This action crippled mobile data and broadband services for millions. With conventional connectivity blocked, Starlink has emerged as one of the few remaining ways for Iranians to communicate with the outside world.
Although Starlink remains illegal in Iran, rights groups confirm thousands of terminals have been smuggled into the country since the service launched in 2022. Government efforts to jam these connections have not been entirely successful.
The Wall Street Journal reports users continue to send footage to trusted third parties abroad. These contacts then post the material on social media platforms, bypassing the domestic blackout.
SpaceX Offers Support Amid Crisis
Amid the escalating crisis, Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly offering free Starlink service in Iran. Ahmad Ahmadian, executive director of the US-based group Holistic Resilience, provided this information.
He stated that SpaceX has waived subscription fees. This move allows users with receivers inside Iran to access the vital service without cost. However, SpaceX itself has not made any public comments on this matter.
Satellite Connections Face Increasing Disruption
The regime's internet blackout is now increasingly extending to satellite links. Reports from IranWire suggest tens of thousands of Starlink units are believed to be operating inside the country.
Despite this, the government's technical measures are disrupting satellite connectivity. Initially, around 30 percent of Starlink's uplink and downlink traffic was affected. This disruption reportedly rose to more than 80 percent within just a few hours.
International Reactions and Statements
Former US President Donald Trump commented on the situation on Sunday. He said he would speak to Elon Musk about using Starlink to restore internet access across Iran.
"He's very good at that sort of thing. He runs a very good company," Trump told reporters when asked about engaging with SpaceX.
Trump also issued a warning. He stated the United States would respond forcefully if Iranian authorities began carrying out hangings as part of their crackdown on protesters.
The international community continues to watch the situation closely as the Iranian regime intensifies its efforts to control information flow during this period of significant unrest.
