There's an internet blackout in Iran. How are videos and images getting out?
NPR • • world
Key Points:
- Iranian authorities have imposed a near-total internet shutdown to suppress widespread anti-government protests, but some Iranians are maintaining communication through Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service.
- Starlink provides high-speed internet via low-earth orbit satellites, making it difficult for governments to block or censor, as the signal comes directly from space rather than local telecom providers.
- Despite Iran criminalizing Starlink use and attempting to jam its signals, activists estimate around 50,000 Starlink receivers are in the country, many smuggled in and used to share protest images and videos with the outside world.
- SpaceX appears to have waived subscription fees for Starlink users in Iran, facilitating access during the crackdown, though this has not been officially confirmed by Space
 { path { fill: %23EEEFE9 } })