Iran’s parliament has passed a new law that bans the use of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet services, marking a significant move in the country’s ongoing effort to tighten control over digital communications and combat what it calls foreign interference in its internal affairs.
The legislation criminalizes the possession, sale, and use of any unauthorized satellite internet equipment within Iranian territory. Specifically targeting Starlink, the law is part of a broader effort to curb the spread of independent internet access that bypasses government censorship and surveillance systems.
Iranian officials argue that satellite-based internet systems pose serious threats to national security. The unregulated nature of services like Starlink allows users to access the internet without going through Iran’s tightly controlled telecommunications infrastructure, making it difficult for authorities to monitor activity, block content, or shut down access during times of unrest or conflict.
The law comes in the wake of a major internet blackout earlier this month, during which traditional internet services in Iran were nearly completely cut off. In response, some citizens reportedly turned to smuggled Starlink terminals to restore connectivity. The government viewed this as a violation of its sovereignty and a potential vector for espionage, particularly given the geopolitical tensions Iran faces in the region.
In response to what it views as a growing risk, Iran’s new law imposes harsh penalties on those found to be operating or distributing satellite internet equipment. In cases where the use of such devices is linked to collaboration with hostile states or acts of espionage, violators could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty under the charge of threatening national security.
Despite the risk, demand for satellite internet in Iran has grown rapidly. Since 2022, when widespread protests erupted over civil rights issues, more Iranians have sought out alternative ways to access information and communicate with the outside world. Starlink, which provides fast, uncensored internet via low-Earth orbit satellites, has become a symbol of digital freedom in a country where the government routinely restricts online platforms and content.
Starlink terminals have entered the country through unofficial channels, with some reports suggesting that thousands of devices are currently in use. Many of them are believed to be shared within communities, used discreetly to avoid detection. The government’s new law is expected to prompt an aggressive crackdown on this underground network, with increased surveillance and raids likely.
The passage of the law also sends a clear message to foreign technology companies and governments that Iran will not tolerate what it sees as violations of its information sovereignty. It reflects Tehran’s broader strategy of building a domestic internet that is both isolated and highly controlled—often referred to as the “National Information Network.” This system is designed to operate independently of the global internet and allows the government to restrict or shut down access when deemed necessary.
Critics say the law will only deepen Iran’s digital divide and further isolate its citizens from the rest of the world. They warn that criminalizing the use of open internet access does not address the underlying grievances that drive demand for these technologies. Rather than securing national interests, they argue, the government is pushing its people further into secrecy and mistrust.
Still, for Iranian authorities, the priority remains control. As access to satellite-based internet expands globally, Iran’s move may be a sign of things to come in other authoritarian regimes grappling with the challenges posed by unfiltered, borderless communication tools.
The effectiveness of the ban remains to be seen. While enforcement may deter some users, it is unlikely to fully eliminate demand. In a country where internet freedom is often limited, the appetite for alternatives like Starlink is likely to persist—no matter the risks involved.
