Iran Threatens to Flog Elon Musk's Starlink Users

Miami Herald

5 days ago

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.
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