Introduction to Satellite Internet and Its Legal Challenges in Iran
In today’s interconnected world, access to free and unrestricted internet has become a fundamental need. Satellite internet services like Starlink, a product of SpaceX, have emerged as a novel solution for high-speed internet in remote areas and countries with poor infrastructure or severe internet restrictions. However, the introduction of this technology into Iran has been met with serious legal challenges. Recently, the Iranian Parliament passed new legislation officially banning any use, purchase, sale, or possession of satellite internet equipment such as Starlink, and has stipulated severe penalties for violators. This article provides a detailed analysis of Iran’s satellite internet laws, the specific penalties for using Starlink, and examines Iran’s international complaints on the matter.
What is Starlink and Why Did It Gain Popularity in Iran?
Starlink is a satellite constellation developed by SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, aiming to provide high-speed broadband internet to the entire planet. By using thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), the service can deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to even the most remote locations. Following widespread internet filtering and a decline in internet quality in Iran, especially during periods of protest, many users sought ways to bypass censorship and access free information. In this context, Starlink became an attractive and effective option, and some users began acquiring its equipment unofficially through black markets.
From Legal Ambiguity to an Outright Ban
Prior to the new legislation, the legal status of using Starlink in Iran was ambiguous. Some legal experts, citing the 1994 law banning satellite-receiving equipment, believed it also applied to satellite internet devices. Conversely, others argued that the law specifically targeted “satellite television receiving equipment” and could not be extended to new technologies that did not exist at the time of its enactment. This legal gray area finally ended with the new parliamentary resolution, which explicitly and clearly criminalized the use of Starlink.
A Detailed Breakdown of Penalties for Using Starlink in Iran
The Iranian Parliament targeted the use of unlicensed satellite internet equipment by adding articles to the “Bill to Counter the Hostile Actions of the Zionist Regime Against Peace and Security.” According to Article 5 of this bill, the penalties are as follows:
- Penalties for Ordinary Users: “The use, transport, purchase or sale, import, or provision of unlicensed electronic internet communication tools, such as Starlink, is prohibited and will result in a Grade 6 ta’ziri prison sentence and confiscation of the equipment.” A Grade 6 sentence, according to the Islamic Penal Code, is imprisonment for more than six months to two years. This means an ordinary citizen caught using Starlink faces not only the loss of their equipment but also the risk of imprisonment.
- Penalties for Major Importers and Distributors: “The supply, production, distribution, and import of more than 10 of the aforementioned devices, or carrying out such acts with the intent to confront the system, will be subject to a Grade 4 ta’ziri prison sentence.” A Grade 4 sentence entails 5 to 10 years in prison. This part of the law clearly targets individuals involved in the distribution and sales networks of this equipment within the country.
It is noteworthy that these cases will be handled out of turn in special branches of the Revolutionary Court, indicating the government’s serious commitment to combating this phenomenon.
Harsher Penalties Under Special Circumstances
The legislation goes even further, providing for much harsher penalties in specific situations. For instance, collaborating with “hostile regimes” using these tools could lead to charges of “corruption on Earth” (efsad-fil-arz), a capital offense. Furthermore, Article 4 of the bill states that sending videos and images to hostile or foreign networks that weaken public morale or harm national security will result in a Grade 5 prison sentence and permanent dismissal from government and public services. These laws give security and judicial bodies broad authority to crack down on media activists and citizen journalists who might use satellite internet to transmit content.
Iran’s Complaint Against Starlink in International Forums
Concurrent with tightening domestic laws, the Islamic Republic of Iran has pursued legal action internationally. Iran has filed a formal complaint against Starlink with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a specialized agency of the United Nations for communications. Iran’s main argument is that Starlink is providing internet services without obtaining an official license from Iran’s regulatory body, thereby violating the country’s national sovereignty. According to ITU regulations, satellite operators are required to obtain the necessary licenses from a country’s governing bodies before providing services within its territory. Iran considers Starlink’s activities on its soil as “illegal broadcasting” and a violation of international law, demanding an urgent investigation. This is Iran’s second complaint against Starlink, following a similar one in 2023 that did not yield a tangible result, prompting Iran to pursue the matter more aggressively.
What Are the Government’s Reasons for Banning Starlink?
The Iranian government’s strong opposition to Starlink’s satellite internet can be analyzed from several perspectives:
- Maintaining Control Over Information Flow: The primary reason is the concern over the inability to filter and control content on Starlink’s network. The service allows users to access the global internet without censorship, which contradicts the overarching policies of the Islamic Republic.
- Security Concerns: Security officials worry that free and untraceable internet could facilitate coordination among protesters during demonstrations or security crises.
- Economic and Sovereignty Issues: The entry of a powerful foreign operator could challenge the monopoly of domestic internet service providers. Moreover, providing services without a license is seen as a violation of national sovereignty and domestic laws from a governmental perspective.
Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of Internet Freedom in Iran
The approval of satellite internet laws and the establishment of severe penalties for using Starlink mark a new chapter in internet restrictions in Iran. These laws demonstrate the government’s determination to combat any form of uncontrolled access to the internet. While users are searching for a way to breathe in a free digital space, legislators have significantly increased the risk of using this technology by imposing prison sentences of 5 to 10 years. Iran’s international complaints also indicate that this confrontation has taken on broader dimensions. The future will show whether these strict laws can halt technological progress and the public’s demand for a free internet. For now, however, Starlink users in Iran must be more cautious than ever about their digital and physical security.
