Latest news with #SpaceX-operated
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Iran bans Elon Musk's Starlink, users now face prison, fines, even flogging
As Iran's tensions deepen with the West, the Middle Eastern country's parliament has voted to ban Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service in the country after the United States and Israeli airstrikes, as per a report. Iran Moves to Ban Elon Musk's Starlink, Final Approval Expected Soon The new law, which Iran's Guardian Council is expected to approve within days, also made stricter espionage rules, targeting foreign-backed dissent, as reported by Newsweek. While the final approval is pending, the move shows Tehran's growing alarm over Starlink's role as a digital lifeline during internet blackouts and a potent symbol in its information war with the West, according to the Newsweek report. If the ban is approved, then the users of the SpaceX-operated satellite service will face penalties of fines, flogging, or up to two years in prison if they are caught, as per the report. ALSO READ: Oracle stock soars after revealing massive $30 billion annual cloud deal in filing Why Is Starlink Under Fire? The Middle Eastern country's latest legislation increases the state's powers over digital and foreign-linked activities, like criminalising Starlink, and introducing sweeping penalties for espionage and cooperation with foreign adversaries, as reported by Newsweek. The new Iranian law defines "operational cooperation" with countries like the U.S. and Israel as "corruption on earth", which is a capital offence, reported Newsweek. The list of offences includes actions like cyberattacks, use of drones or sabotage tools, and accepting funds from foreign intelligence, even without taking action, according to the report. Live Events The Starlink ban reflects how private tech companies like Starlink get indirectly involved during a global conflict, as this law came after the United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, the move highlights how satellite internet is now a tool of modern warfare and a threat for governments like Iran's, as reported by Newsweek. ALSO READ: Peter Thiel faces backlash for backing Palantir — key facts Americans should be aware of Starlink's Role During Blackouts While, the exact numbers of Starlink users remain unclear, as per the images circulated online throughout 2024 showed Starlink dishes installed on rooftops across Iran, often in direct defiance of strict local laws, according to the report. Iranian tech outlet Zoomit wrote that the "equipment costs range from $673 to $3,367, with monthly fees around $40, making the service unaffordable for most Iranians," as quoted by Newsweek. This comes as Iranians depend on VPNs and other tools to bypass restrictions and access the outside world due to massive government censorship and widespread internet blackouts, as per the report. For many Iranians, Starlink had emerged as one of the few reliable options during these shutdowns, offering a critical lifeline for protesters and dissidents, as reported by Newsweek. ALSO READ: Shock rift in MAGA? Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene praise Zohran Mamdani as Trump fumes FAQs Why is Iran banning Starlink now? Because of growing tensions with the US and Israel, and fears that Starlink is helping citizens bypass government censorship and surveillance, as per the Newsweek report. What happens if someone in Iran uses Starlink? If the law is finalized, they could face serious penalties—fines, prison time, or even flogging, as per the Newsweek report.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Iran Threatens to Flog Elon Musk's Starlink Users
Iran's parliament has voted to ban Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, marking a sharp escalation in its crackdown on outside influence after U.S. and Israeli strikes. Users of the SpaceX-operated satellite service now face penalties of fines, flogging, or up to two years in prison if they are caught, according to state media. The law, which also toughens espionage rules, targets foreign-backed dissent. Though pending final approval, it reflects Tehran's growing alarm over Starlink's role as a digital lifeline during internet blackouts and a potent symbol in its information war with the West. Newsweek has reached out to Elon Musk via X for comment. The Starlink ban underscores how private tech firms such as Starlink have become entangled in global conflict. Coming after U.S. and Israeli strikes, the move highlights how satellite internet is now a tool of modern warfare—and a threat in the eyes of governments like Iran's. Iran's new legislation expands state powers over digital and foreign-linked activities. In addition to criminalizing Starlink, the law introduces sweeping penalties for espionage and cooperation with foreign adversaries. It defines "operational cooperation" with countries like the U.S. and Israel as "corruption on earth"—a capital offense under Iranian law. This includes actions such as cyberattacks, use of drones or sabotage tools, and accepting funds from foreign intelligence, even without taking action. On June 14—just one day after Israeli airstrikes first targeted Iran—Elon Musk posted a four-word message on X: "The beams are on." The post confirmed the activation of Starlink's satellite internet service over Iran amid a sweeping government-imposed internet blackout. Tehran's shutdown came as part of its crackdown following escalating regional conflict, severing much of the country's digital communication with the outside world. Musk's move instantly provided a high-speed, uncensorable connection, offering Iranians a potential lifeline to bypass state censorship and maintain contact during a period of intense unrest. Though exact numbers remain unclear, images circulated online throughout 2024 showed Starlink dishes installed on rooftops across Iran, often in direct defiance of strict local laws. According to Iranian tech outlet Zoomit, equipment costs range from IRR400 million ($673) to IRR2 billion ($3,367), with monthly fees around $40—making the service unaffordable for most Iranians. Amid heavy government censorship and widespread internet blackouts, many Iranians rely on VPNs and other tools to bypass restrictions and access the outside world. Starlink has emerged as one of the few reliable options during these shutdowns, offering a critical lifeline for protesters and dissidents. In the past few weeks, Iran has detained over 700 people accused of spying for Israel and the U.S., with state media reporting at least six executions, including three Kurds accused of aiding Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency. Security forces dismantled multiple drone-surveillance cells, arresting 53 people for filming sensitive sites and allegedly sharing footage with foreign outlets. Human rights groups have condemned the arrests and executions as politically motivated and a severe violation of due process. ISNA News Agency: "Under the law, violations could be punished with fines, flogging, or up to two years in prison." Elon Musk: "The beams are on" Iran's Guardian Council is expected to approve the Starlink ban within days. Authorities may begin enforcement shortly thereafter, targeting users, distributors, and any entities suspected of collaborating with perceived hostile states. Related Articles Iran's Supreme Leader Challenges TrumpThe Tension Between Trump, Israel and Iran - Last Week in Your WordsIran Issues Safety Warning to Nuclear InspectorsTrump Denies Making Iran Offer, Talks 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Iran Bans Elon Musk's Starlink and Threatens Users With Flogging or Jail
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iran's parliament has voted to ban Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, marking a sharp escalation in its crackdown on outside influence after U.S. and Israeli strikes. Users of the SpaceX-operated satellite service now face penalties of fines, flogging, or up to two years in prison if they are caught, according to state media. The law, which also toughens espionage rules, targets foreign-backed dissent. Though pending final approval, it reflects Tehran's growing alarm over Starlink's role as a digital lifeline during internet blackouts and a potent symbol in its information war with the West. Newsweek has reached out to Elon Musk via X for comment. Why It Matters The Starlink ban underscores how private tech firms such as Starlink have become entangled in global conflict. Coming after U.S. and Israeli strikes, the move highlights how satellite internet is now a tool of modern warfare—and a threat in the eyes of governments like Iran's. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition, March 9, 2020, in Washington. Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk speaks at the SATELLITE Conference and Exhibition, March 9, 2020, in Washington. Susan Walsh/AP Photo What to Know Iran's new legislation expands state powers over digital and foreign-linked activities. In addition to criminalizing Starlink, the law introduces sweeping penalties for espionage and cooperation with foreign adversaries. It defines "operational cooperation" with countries like the U.S. and Israel as "corruption on earth"—a capital offense under Iranian law. This includes actions such as cyberattacks, use of drones or sabotage tools, and accepting funds from foreign intelligence, even without taking action. Starlink in Iran On June 14—just one day after Israeli airstrikes first targeted Iran—Elon Musk posted a four-word message on X: "The beams are on." The post confirmed the activation of Starlink's satellite internet service over Iran amid a sweeping government-imposed internet blackout. Tehran's shutdown came as part of its crackdown following escalating regional conflict, severing much of the country's digital communication with the outside world. Musk's move instantly provided a high-speed, uncensorable connection, offering Iranians a potential lifeline to bypass state censorship and maintain contact during a period of intense unrest. The beams are on — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 14, 2025 Though exact numbers remain unclear, images circulated online throughout 2024 showed Starlink dishes installed on rooftops across Iran, often in direct defiance of strict local laws. According to Iranian tech outlet Zoomit, equipment costs range from IRR400 million ($673) to IRR2 billion ($3,367), with monthly fees around $40—making the service unaffordable for most Iranians. Amid heavy government censorship and widespread internet blackouts, many Iranians rely on VPNs and other tools to bypass restrictions and access the outside world. Starlink has emerged as one of the few reliable options during these shutdowns, offering a critical lifeline for protesters and dissidents. Espionage Arrests In the past few weeks, Iran has detained over 700 people accused of spying for Israel and the U.S., with state media reporting at least six executions, including three Kurds accused of aiding Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency. Security forces dismantled multiple drone-surveillance cells, arresting 53 people for filming sensitive sites and allegedly sharing footage with foreign outlets. Human rights groups have condemned the arrests and executions as politically motivated and a severe violation of due process. An Iranian VPN service appears on a cell phone screen, Feb.20, 2024, Tehran, Iran. An Iranian VPN service appears on a cell phone screen, Feb.20, 2024, Tehran, Iran. AP Photo What People Are Saying ISNA News Agency: "Under the law, violations could be punished with fines, flogging, or up to two years in prison." Elon Musk: "The beams are on" What Happens Next Iran's Guardian Council is expected to approve the Starlink ban within days. Authorities may begin enforcement shortly thereafter, targeting users, distributors, and any entities suspected of collaborating with perceived hostile states.
