Iran has banned Starlink, saying it threatens national security and weakens government internet control.
Citizens now face jail or fines for using Elon Musk’s satellite internet service illegally.
Iran’s parliament has officially passed a controversial law criminalising the use of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, in a move that critics say is designed to tighten state control over digital information and suppress online dissent.
The legislation, confirmed on June 29, 2025, imposes severe penalties on individuals found using or distributing Starlink services within the country. Offenders could face fines, public flogging, and prison sentences of up to two years. The government claims the measure is necessary to safeguard national security and maintain control over Iran’s digital infrastructure.
Starlink, operated by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX, provides high-speed internet via a constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites, offering an alternative to state-controlled internet networks. In Iran, the service has gained popularity among citizens seeking to circumvent government censorship, particularly during protests and periods of political unrest.
Despite the legal risks, thousands of Iranians are believed to access the network through smuggled satellite terminals and black-market distribution channels. The decentralized nature of Starlink makes it challenging for authorities to trace or block individual users effectively, raising doubts about the government’s ability to fully enforce the new ban.
Supporters of the law argue that unregulated foreign internet services like Starlink undermine national sovereignty and could be exploited by foreign powers to incite instability. However, human rights advocates warn that the legislation is part of a broader crackdown on free expression and information access in the country.
“This is yet another step in Iran’s campaign to cut its people off from the outside world,” said Mahsa Alizadeh, a digital rights researcher based in London. “Starlink has been a lifeline for many Iranians, especially during internet blackouts and protests.”
Iran has previously responded to unrest by restricting internet access nationwide, often resorting to near-total shutdowns. During the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, for instance, Starlink played a crucial role in helping activists maintain online communication.
Enforcement challenges remain
While the law is now in effect, experts say implementation will be difficult. Starlink terminals can be small and portable, making them hard to detect, and many operate in remote areas beyond the reach of conventional surveillance.
Satellite internet also presents a technical dilemma for regimes like Iran’s, as blocking it requires advanced jamming technology or direct interference with satellite signals, tools that are not always reliable or available.
For now, Iranians face a growing risk in using Starlink, but for many, the benefits of open communication and access to global information outweigh the dangers.
