Iranian Protesters Face Risks Using Free Starlink Internet

The Situation in Iran Grows More Severe

Recent protests in Iran, which began in late December after the collapse of the national currency, have escalated into calls for political change. Following the government's decision to shut down the internet, Starlink, the satellite technology from SpaceX, waived subscription fees for users in Iran. This has become a vital communication line for those attempting to inform the world about events in the country.

Several individuals in Iran communicated with BBC Persian stating that their devices were operational even without paying subscription fees. Although this technology is illegal in Iran, it provides internet access to tens of thousands of people, serving as the last means of communication with the outside world as authorities actively seek out Starlink devices to prevent internet connectivity.

The Risks of Using Starlink

Using Starlink in Iran can lead to penalties of up to two years in prison, with security forces reportedly conducting roof checks to find users. Very few individuals who have access to this service risk transmitting information, considering the internet shutdown and the rise in violence. It is estimated that around 50,000 people are using Starlink to connect to the internet.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry asserted that the internet shutdown occurred "after we confronted terrorist operations and realized that the orders were coming from outside the country." This action was justified by the need to prevent the use of foreign social media platforms to organize violence and unrest.