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 enabling citizens to communicate with the outside world and share information about ongoing anti-government protests, which started in late December due to economic hardship and have since evolved into broader calls for regime change.

The Iranian government's internet blackout has made it exceedingly difficult to ascertain the full scope of the situation within the country. Shayna Korol, a Future Perfect fellow at Vox, reported that crackdowns against protesters have resulted in at least 2,600 deaths, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could be as high as 20,000. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the US, claims that over 18,000 protesters have been arrested.

Starlink, operated by SpaceX, utilizes a network of low Earth orbit satellites to provide broadband internet service. The terminals, resembling small satellite dishes, connect to these satellites, offering an alternative to traditional terrestrial internet infrastructure. While the use of Starlink is technically illegal in Iran without government authorization, the decentralized nature of the satellite network makes it difficult for authorities to effectively block the signal.

The influx of Starlink terminals represents a significant challenge to the Iranian government's control over information. The Iranian rial is currently the world's least valuable currency, and the protests reflect widespread discontent with the economic situation and the rule of Ali Khamenei. The internet shutdown was likely implemented to suppress dissent and limit the flow of information about the protests to the international community.

The availability of Starlink in Iran highlights the growing role of satellite internet in circumventing censorship and providing connectivity in areas with restricted internet access. The technology's impact on information control and political activism is likely to continue to grow as satellite internet becomes more accessible and affordable. The long-term implications for the Iranian government's ability to maintain control in the face of widespread discontent remain to be seen.