An estimated 50,000 clandestine Starlink terminals are currently providing internet access to Iranians, circumventing a government-imposed internet shutdown that began on January 8th. The terminals are allowing citizens to communicate with the outside world and share information about ongoing anti-government protests, according to a report by Future Perfect.

The Iranian government shut down the internet in response to widespread protests that erupted in late December, triggered by deteriorating economic conditions and demands for an end to the rule of Ali Khamenei. The crackdown on protesters has been severe, with reports indicating at least 2,600 deaths and over 18,000 arrests, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency. The internet blackout has made it difficult to verify information and assess the full extent of the situation on the ground.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, provides satellite-based internet access using a network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The service is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency internet to remote and underserved areas, but it can also be used to bypass government censorship. The terminals, which consist of a small satellite dish and a Wi-Fi router, are reportedly being smuggled into Iran and activated despite the government's efforts to block them.

Shayna Korol, a Future Perfect fellow, noted that the satellite internet service is offering a crucial window into the conflict. "It's difficult to know exactly what is happening in Iran since the government shut down the internet," Korol stated. "These terminals are providing a vital link for Iranians to the outside world."

The use of Starlink in Iran highlights the growing role of satellite internet in circumventing government censorship and providing access to information in authoritarian regimes. However, the clandestine nature of the operation also poses risks. The Iranian government has reportedly been attempting to track down and confiscate Starlink terminals, and users face the risk of arrest and prosecution if caught.

The availability of Starlink in Iran could have significant implications for the ongoing protests and the broader political situation. By providing access to uncensored information and enabling communication among protesters, the terminals could help to sustain the movement and increase pressure on the government. However, the government is also likely to intensify its efforts to suppress the use of Starlink and maintain control over the flow of information. The situation remains fluid, and the long-term impact of Starlink on the conflict in Iran is yet to be seen.