Iran Warns Starlink Expansion Threatens State Control Over Internet

Iran's Deputy Communications Minister, Mohammad Hafez Hakimi, has warned that the expansion of Starlink satellite internet usage could lead to Tehran losing its ability to control the country's online space. According to him, the technology threatens to render government censorship and monitoring tools ineffective. This was reported on Thursday by Iran International.

Impact on Censorship

Hakimi noted that Starlink has fundamentally altered Iran's capacity to regulate access to the network. He stated that government officials warned over two years ago that the spread of satellite services could undermine existing surveillance mechanisms, yet no adequate policy has been formulated to address the phenomenon.

"The expansion of satellite internet threatens to bypass all domestic filtering and monitoring infrastructure built over decades," local experts note.

Over the years, Iran has severely restricted access to the internet and social media, particularly during periods of anti-regime protests. Hakimi recalled that internet access was severed during the 2019 demonstrations, and major platforms were blocked following the 2022 protests. He added that during the suppression of widespread unrest, authorities even resorted to complete network blackouts.

Technological Challenges and Crackdown

The difficulty for authorities stems from the fact that Starlink terminals connect directly to satellites and do not rely on local communication infrastructure. Hakimi also warned against Direct-to-Cell technology, which allows mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, stating that its development could render measures like mandatory device registration entirely ineffective.

Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have stepped up enforcement against Starlink usage in recent months. According to the Economic Security Police, during the four-month period ending in July, 997 Starlink devices and related equipment were seized, and 163 people were arrested. In addition, 15 vehicles used to transport the equipment were confiscated.

In 2025, Iran criminalized the unauthorized use and possession of satellite internet equipment through legislation. The law prohibits the purchase, sale, and importation of devices such as Starlink, carrying penalties of imprisonment and equipment confiscation. According to reports, in certain cases involving espionage or anti-state activities, the offenses may carry significantly harsher sentences. Despite these enforcement measures, Hakimi conceded that Starlink usage has already expanded significantly across Iran, casting doubt on the regime's ability to cope with technological advancements.