Elon Musk activates Starlink amid Iran’s internet blockade
Despite the Iranian government’s decision to cut down internet access as a result of widespread protests, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk stated on Friday that he would activate the company’s satellite internet service, Starlink, in the nation.
At the same time that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the US has taken steps “to advance internet freedom and the free flow of information” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk promised to do his part for Iran by activating Starlink.
This week, Iran has been the scene of large protests after the murder of Mahsa Amini while she was in detention after being arrested by the morality police for not wearing a headscarf. In response to international outrage, Iran has implemented stringent restrictions on internet use in an effort to prevent the demonstrators from convening.
On Monday, Elon Musk announced that Tesla wants to deliver Starlink satellite broadband service to Iran and would file for a sanctions exception in order to do so. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has not stopped the provision of Starlink services to the country.
According to AFP, an Oslo-based group called Iran Human Rights stated that at least 50 individuals had been slain by security personnel during the anti-government protests.
