NZNTV

ANTI REGIME PROTESTS Elon Musk’s SpaceX has made its Starlink satellite internet service free and active in Iran, allowing some users to regain internet access amid a severe government crackdown on anti-regime protests. Previously inactive Starlink accounts have been reconnected, with subscription fees waived, offering a rare communication channel during one of Iran’s largest-ever internet blackouts.

The Iranian government has sharply restricted internet access while reportedly killing more than 1,800 protesters, a figure likely higher due to the communications shutdown. In this context, Starlink has become one of the only ways for information to leave the country, similar to its role in conflict zones such as Ukraine.

However, Starlink’s impact remains limited. Only a small portion of Iran’s 92 million people have access to the necessary equipment, and authorities are actively attempting to jam satellite signals. Use of Starlink is criminalized in Iran, and users risk severe punishment.

Despite these risks, demand for Starlink terminals has surged, with an estimated 50,000 receivers currently in the country. While this provides a narrow but critical window into the crackdown, experts stress that broader access could significantly improve accountability. Meanwhile, cuts to U.S. funding for VPNs and other censorship-circumvention tools have weakened parallel efforts to support digital freedom in Iran.