Kenya, June 30 -- In a significant move to tighten control over digital access, Iran's Parliament has officially banned Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, criminalising its possession and operation across the country.
The decision, announced on June 30, 2025, imposes severe penalties, including fines, flogging, and up to two years in prison, reflecting Iran's ongoing efforts to restrict uncensored internet access and control information flow amid escalating domestic and regional challenges.
The ban follows SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's activation of Starlink in Iran on June 14, 2025, in response to government-imposed internet blackouts triggered by heightened tensions with Israel.
Musk's move, intended to provide Iranians with unfiltered internet access, was met with swift backlash from authorities, who view Starlink as a threat to national security and sovereignty.
Despite the prohibition, reports indicate that between 20,000 and 40,000 Starlink terminals remain active in Iran, primarily acquired through black market channels, enabling citizens to bypass censorship and access global information.
Iranian authorities have appealed to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to deactivate these devices, citing concerns over foreign interference and unregulated communication.
The government's crackdown aligns with its long-standing policy of restricting digital freedoms, with platforms like Telegram, Instagram, and X already blocked.
The surge in Starlink usage, which skyrocketed to over 100,000 users earlier this year, shows the Iranian public's determination to defy censorship, particularly following the 2022 Woman, Life, Freedom protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death.
The ban has sparked heated discussions on social media, with some praising Musk for challenging Iran's internet restrictions, while others criticise the move as provocative.
Citizens highlight the ongoing tension, with users noting that Starlink's activation has empowered Iranians to access uncensored news, though at significant personal risk.
The high cost of Starlink terminals, ranging from $700 to $2,000 in Iran compared to $250 in the U.S., and monthly subscription fees of $110 remain barriers for many, yet group usage in residential complexes has made the service more accessible.
As Iran intensifies efforts to curb satellite internet, the ban raises questions about digital freedom and the regime's ability to enforce restrictions.
With Starlink's decentralised technology proving difficult to block, this development marks a critical juncture in Iran's battle over information control and digital sovereignty.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.