In the face of internet blackouts and government crackdowns, a lifeline emerges: Starlink. But using it comes at a tremendous cost.
Reports indicate that Starlink, the satellite internet service, has reportedly removed subscription fees for users inside Iran. This move comes after the Iranian government shut down the internet, cutting off millions from vital communication during a deadly crackdown on protests. This technology has become a crucial way for some Iranians to share what's happening on the ground with the outside world.
Two individuals in Iran told BBC Persian that their Starlink devices were operational even though they hadn't paid their subscriptions. Furthermore, the director of an organization helping Iranians get online confirmed that Starlink had been made free.
This satellite technology, owned by Elon Musk's SpaceX, provides internet access to tens of thousands in Iran, even though it's illegal there. With the internet shut down, it's become one of the last, if not the last, channels for Iranians to connect with the world. However, SpaceX has yet to officially confirm the fee waiver when approached by the BBC.
But here's where it gets controversial: Using Starlink in Iran can lead to up to two years in prison. Authorities are actively searching for Starlink dishes to stop people from connecting. As Parsa, who spoke to BBC Persian using Starlink, explains, "They're going onto rooftops and checking the surrounding buildings." He also warns that the government is focusing on areas where footage has been shared, urging people to be extra cautious.
Starlink operates like a mobile phone mast in space, using a network of satellites to communicate with small dishes on the ground that have a built-in WiFi router. While the service is costly, making it free could lead to wider adoption.
So, why are these protests happening? The Iranian government cut off the internet, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, "after we confronted terrorist operations and realized orders were coming from outside the country." The Fars news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), claims the restrictions aimed to stop foreign social media platforms from being used "to organize violence and unrest."
Human rights groups condemn the internet blackout as an abuse of power. A UN human rights office spokesperson told the BBC that the shutdown "impacts the works of those documenting human rights violations."
The situation is dire. One human rights group has confirmed the killing of over 2,400 protesters and nearly 150 members of security forces, though the actual numbers are likely much higher. The internet shutdown makes it difficult to gather and verify information.
As Parsa explains, "I think a lot of people are connected, but only a very small number are taking the risk of sending information out." According to Witness, a human rights organization, at least 50,000 people are using Starlink. Mahsa Alimardani, its associate director for technology, notes that Iranian authorities have tried, but failed, to jam Starlink, resorting to physical confiscations instead.
The risks are immense. One man traveled almost 1,000 km (620 miles) to a border area to use neighboring countries' mobile networks to send a video he recorded. The scene he witnessed—a large number of bodies at a forensic medical center in Tehran—compelled him to share it.
The Iranian government has a history of surveillance, including digital surveillance, to control its citizens. Phishing techniques are reportedly used to hack phones, and internet access is largely limited to a domestic service. Access to Western social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram is blocked, forcing Iranians to use virtual private networks (VPNs).
And this is the part most people miss: Despite these restrictions, Instagram remains popular in Iran, with an estimated 50 million users. Experts say the government aims to control the narrative by limiting the information that gets out. Ana Diamond of the Oxford Disinformation and Extremism Lab explains that the government is weaponizing information to "condition" the public, potentially preparing them for further violence.
Despite the dangers, Starlink has become vital for Iranians trying to communicate with the outside world. Parsa admits, "I'd rather not think about it [getting caught]. It can be very frightening."
On Tuesday, Iranian intelligence forces seized a large shipment of Starlink kits, allegedly intended for "espionage and sabotage operations." However, BBC Persian confirmed that many people use the kits to communicate without censorship.
Parsa cautions that getting caught using the device isn't the only risk. He says that if Iranians want to send videos, "they need to understand that if they record them from home or from the place where the device is kept, their risk increases, and the government can identify the location."
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the benefits of using Starlink outweigh the risks? Share your opinions in the comments below!
