Elon Musk will activate Starlink following US guidance on increasing internet access for Iranians during the protests

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SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Friday that he would activate the company’s satellite internet service, Starlink, in response to US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s tweet that the US had taken action to “enhance internet freedom and the free flow of information” for Iranians.

The US Treasury Department on Friday issued guidance for Iranians to expand internet services despite US sanctions, amid protests in Iran following the death of a 22-year-old woman in custody.

A Treasury official briefing reporters said: “Our understanding of Starlink is that what they provide will be commercial grade and will be hardware that is not covered by the general licence; so they will need to write to the Treasury.”

A US State Department spokesman later said of Friday’s updated permit that it was self-executing and that “anyone who meets the criteria set forth in this general permit may proceed with their activities without requesting additional permits.”

Musk could not be reached for comment or clarification on Starlink’s approval to operate in Iran.

Iranians are protesting the death last week of Mahsa Amini while in police custody after she was arrested by morality police for wearing “improper clothing”.

Musk said Monday that the company wants to provide Starlink satellite broadband service — already provided to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression — to the Iranians, and would seek an exception to the sanctions.

A US State Department spokesman added that if SpaceX determines that certain activities aimed at Iranians require a specific license, “OFAC will welcome that and prioritize it”.

“By the same token, if SpaceX determines that its activity is already authorized and has questions, OFAC also welcomes that engagement,” a State Department spokesman said.

© Thomson Reuters 2022


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