In the face of internet blackouts and government crackdowns, Starlink has emerged as a crucial lifeline for Iranians, but at a tremendous personal cost.
By Reha Kansara and Ghoncheh Habibiazad
BBC News and BBC Persian
When the Iranian government shut down the internet last Thursday, cutting off millions from their families, livelihoods, and access to vital information, a new hope flickered: Starlink. The satellite technology, belonging to Elon Musk's SpaceX, has reportedly waived subscription fees for users inside Iran, offering a critical communications channel for those trying to share what's happening on the ground. But here's where it gets controversial: using Starlink in Iran carries a potential prison sentence of up to two years.
Two individuals in Iran confirmed to BBC Persian that their Starlink devices were operational even without paying their monthly fees. Furthermore, the director of an organization assisting Iranians in getting online also confirmed that Starlink had been made free. This move has turned Starlink into one of the last remaining avenues for Iranians to connect with the outside world, especially since the internet shutdown.
While the BBC reached out to SpaceX for confirmation, they have yet to respond. However, the stakes are undeniably high. Authorities are reportedly actively searching for Starlink dishes, with individuals like Parsa (not his real name) sharing that the government is checking rooftops and surrounding buildings, especially in areas where footage has been shared. Parsa emphasized the need for increased caution.
This technology operates like a mobile phone mast in space, using a network of satellites to communicate with small dishes on the ground equipped with a built-in WiFi router. But because the device is expensive, making it free could lead to its wider use.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the internet was cut off after confronting "terrorist operations" and realizing that "orders were coming from outside the country." The Iranian government, through its Fars news agency, claims the restrictions were imposed to stop foreign social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram from being used to organize "violence and unrest."
Human rights groups have condemned the blanket blackout as an abuse of power, with the UN's Human Rights Office stating it impacts those documenting human rights violations. Sadly, one human rights group has confirmed the deaths of over 2,400 protesters and nearly 150 individuals affiliated with security forces, though the actual numbers are believed to be much higher.
The internet shutdown has also made it incredibly challenging to gather and verify evidence. Parsa notes that although many are connected, only a few are willing to risk sending information out. According to human rights organization Witness, at least 50,000 people are using Starlink to access the internet. Mahsa Alimardani, the associate director for technology, threats, and opportunities at Witness, mentioned that Iranian authorities have tried to aggressively jam Starlink, but without success. This has led to physical confiscations.
And this is the part most people miss: the lengths people are going to. One man traveled nearly 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 long history of digitally surveilling its citizens. They have reportedly used phishing techniques to hack phones and access data. Access to the internet is largely restricted to a domestic service that mimics a private intranet. Access to Western social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram is blocked, requiring Iranians to use virtual private networks (VPNs).
Despite these restrictions, Instagram remains popular, with an estimated 50 million users in Iran. Experts say the Iranian government aims to control the narrative by limiting the information that gets out. Ana Diamond, a research associate at the Oxford Disinformation and Extremism Lab, says the government is weaponizing information to condition the public, erode resistance, and prepare them for potential escalations of violence.
Despite the risks, Starlink has become indispensable for many Iranians. Parsa admits, "I'd rather not think about it [getting caught]. It can be very frightening." Iranian intelligence forces have seized a large consignment of Starlink kits, claiming they were intended for "espionage and sabotage operations." However, BBC Persian has confirmed that the kits are used by many to communicate without censorship.
Parsa cautions that the dangers extend beyond getting caught. If Iranians want to send videos, he says, "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 do you think? Do you believe the benefits of Starlink outweigh the risks for Iranians? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
