Tehran, Iran – The Iranian parliament has officially passed a law banning the use and distribution of Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, in a move signaling growing tensions between the Islamic Republic and Western tech firms. The legislation, passed during a closed session on Monday, was presented as a national security measure to counter what lawmakers described as “unauthorized foreign communication networks.”
Law Cites “Violation of Sovereignty”: According to Iranian state media, the bill – titled the “Protection of National Cyberspace and Sovereignty Act” – criminalizes the possession, promotion, or usage of unauthorized satellite internet services, with Starlink named explicitly in the text. Violators may face heavy fines, equipment confiscation, and up to two years in prison.
The Iranian Communications and Information Technology Commission stated that Starlink operates “illegally” in Iran without official coordination, arguing that it poses a “direct threat” to national surveillance and communication systems.
“Foreign-controlled satellite internet bypasses our country’s protective cyber systems, endangering our cultural, religious, and political security,” said parliamentary spokesperson Hossein Hosseini.
Starlink’s Rising Popularity Among Iranians: Starlink gained notoriety in Iran during the 2022–2023 protests, when users inside the country reported successfully accessing the service via smuggled terminals to circumvent widespread internet blackouts imposed by the government. Elon Musk at the time confirmed that SpaceX would activate Starlink coverage for Iran “in support of internet freedom.”
Though not officially available in the country, Iranian users have reportedly imported terminals through neighboring countries like Iraq, Turkey, and the UAE. Iranian authorities have since increased border inspections and electronic signal tracking to locate and seize Starlink devices.
International Response and Free Speech Concerns: The ban is already drawing criticism from human rights organizations and digital rights advocates, who argue that the law further suppresses freedom of expression in a country with a heavily censored internet.
“The Islamic Republic is once again trying to tighten its grip on Iranians’ access to independent information and communication tools,” said Mahsa Alizadeh, a digital freedom researcher with Access Now. “This law could criminalize citizens for simply trying to stay connected to the world.”
The U.S. State Department and other Western governments are expected to comment in the coming days, especially given Starlink’s role in providing emergency internet access in repressive regimes and war zones.
Broader Implications: Analysts suggest this legislation is part of Iran’s broader strategy to fortify its “national internet” project, known as the National Information Network (NIN), which aims to isolate domestic internet traffic and limit foreign influence.
This move also reflects increasing unease among authoritarian governments about the disruptive potential of decentralized satellite networks like Starlink, which challenge conventional methods of information control.
For now, the impact of the ban will depend on how aggressively it is enforced and whether underground networks continue to support Starlink use inside Iran.
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This story is developing. Check back for updates as more details emerge.