CRACKDOWN ON SPACE INTERNET

Iran has officially outlawed the use of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, in a move aimed at tightening control over digital communications in the country.
The new law, passed by Iran’s parliament and taking effect today, June 30, 2025, criminalizes the sale, purchase, and use of Starlink terminals. Offenders risk facing hefty fines, prison sentences of up to two years, and even flogging in some extreme cases.
Authorities say the ban is meant to protect national security, accusing Starlink of enabling unfiltered internet access and potentially facilitating espionage.
The crackdown follows a surge in the use of Starlink during recent internet blackouts across Iran, especially during military tensions with Israel earlier this month. Thousands of users had reportedly turned to the satellite service to bypass government censorship.
Despite the ban, underground networks continue to operate, with some estimates suggesting that tens of thousands of Starlink terminals are still active across the country.
Iranian officials have begun surveillance and raids targeting areas suspected of harboring Starlink devices, as the government moves to assert full control over online access.
The move has drawn criticism from international human rights groups, who argue the ban restricts freedom of expression and access to information.