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 offer high-speed access in remote or restricted areas. However, Iran recently banned the use, sale, and possession of such equipment. The new law imposes severe penalties for violations. This article analyzes Iran’s satellite internet laws, penalties for Starlink use, and related international complaints.
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 added articles targeting unlicensed satellite internet in the “Bill to Counter Hostile Zionist Actions.” 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 law sets harsher penalties, including capital punishment, for using these tools to aid “hostile regimes Article 4 punishes sending videos or images to hostile networks that harm morale or security with Grade 5 prison and permanent government dismissal. These laws give authorities broad power to target media activists and citizen journalists using satellite internet.
Iran’s Complaint Against Starlink in International Forums
Concurrent with tightening domestic laws, the Islamic Republic of Iran has pursued legal action internationally. Iran filed a formal complaint against Starlink with the ITU, the UN’s communications agency. 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. Satellite operators must obtain necessary licenses from a country’s governing bodies before providing services, according to ITU regulations. 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. From the government’s view, offering services without a license violates national sovereignty and domestic laws.
Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of Internet Freedom in Iran
Iran’s new satellite internet laws impose severe penalties for Starlink, marking a stricter era of restrictions. These laws demonstrate the government’s determination to combat any form of uncontrolled access to the internet. As users seek digital freedom, legislators impose 5 to 10-year prison sentences, raising the risks significantly. 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.
