A daring act of defiance: Starlink's bold move in Iran.
In a bold move, Starlink has reportedly waived subscription fees for users in Iran, providing a vital lifeline for those seeking to communicate with the outside world amidst a deadly crackdown on protests. This satellite technology, owned by SpaceX, has become a beacon of hope for Iranians, offering a glimmer of freedom in a country where internet access is heavily restricted and monitored.
But here's where it gets controversial: using Starlink in Iran carries severe consequences, with punishments of up to two years in prison. Authorities are reportedly searching for Starlink dishes, determined to prevent any form of communication that might challenge their grip on information.
"They're checking every rooftop, every building," shares Parsa, a pseudonym for an Iranian who spoke to BBC Persian via a Starlink connection. "The government is targeting areas with high-profile footage, so we must be extra cautious."
The device itself operates like a space-based mobile mast, connecting to satellites and providing internet access through small dishes with built-in WiFi routers. However, its cost puts it out of reach for many Iranians, making the decision to waive fees a significant step towards wider accessibility.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, defended the internet shutdown, claiming it was necessary to confront "terrorist operations" and prevent orders from outside the country. Meanwhile, the Fars news agency, affiliated with the IRGC, justified the restrictions as a means to prevent foreign social media platforms from "organising violence and unrest."
Human rights groups, however, have condemned the blackout as an abuse of power, with a UN spokesperson stating that it hampers the work of those documenting human rights violations. The true scale of the violence remains unclear, with estimates of over 2,400 protesters killed, alongside almost 150 security personnel, though these numbers are believed to be much higher.
The internet shutdown has made it incredibly difficult to gather and verify evidence on the ground. Parsa explains, "Many are connected, but few dare to send information."
According to human rights organisation Witness, at least 50,000 people are using Starlink to access the internet. Mahsa Alimardani, associate director for technology, threats, and opportunities at Witness, reveals that the Iranian authorities have attempted to jam Starlink signals, but to no avail. "That's why they're now resorting to physical confiscations," she adds.
Those who take the risk go to extraordinary lengths. One man travelled almost 1,000km to a border area to use neighbouring countries' mobile networks to send video footage he recorded. The scene he witnessed - a forensic medical centre in Tehran filled with bodies - was so distressing that he felt compelled to share it, despite the dangers.
Iran has a long history of spying on its citizens, both physically and digitally, to maintain control. Phishing techniques have been used to hack phones and access personal data, and Iran's internet access is largely restricted to a domestic service resembling a private intranet. Access to Western social media platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram is blocked, forcing Iranians to use VPNs. Yet, Instagram remains one of the most popular platforms in Iran, with an estimated 50 million users.
Experts argue that the Iranian government aims to control the narrative by limiting the flow of information. Ana Diamond, a research associate at the Oxford Disinformation and Extremism Lab, says the government is weaponising information, carefully curating it to condition and normalise casualties, especially as they label protesters as "rioters."
Despite the risks, Starlink has become indispensable for many Iranians, allowing them to communicate the truth about the situation inside the country to the rest of the world.
"I try not to think about getting caught. It's terrifying," Parsa admits.
On Tuesday, Iranian intelligence forces claimed to have seized a large consignment of Starlink kits allegedly intended for "espionage and sabotage operations." However, BBC Persian has confirmed through multiple sources in Iran that these kits are widely used by those seeking uncensored communication.
Parsa warns that the dangers extend beyond the risk of getting caught using the device. If Iranians want to send videos online, he advises, "They must understand that recording at home or near the device increases their risk of being identified by the government."
The battle for information and freedom of expression in Iran continues, with Starlink playing a pivotal role. What are your thoughts on this daring act of defiance? Do you think Starlink's move is a step towards freedom or a risky venture? Share your opinions in the comments below.
