Iran has once again imposed sweeping restrictions on internet access, escalating its long-standing campaign of digital control by reportedly disrupting even satellite-based connectivity such as Starlink. The latest shutdown marks a significant development, as Starlink has long been considered resistant to conventional censorship and network blocking methods used by state authorities.
Digital rights researchers monitoring the situation say the government has deployed military-grade GPS jamming systems to interfere with satellite communications. Amir Rashidi, director of digital rights at the US-based nonprofit Miaan Group, stated that these jamming measures have reduced satellite internet performance by roughly 80 percent in some regions. According to network monitoring data from global internet infrastructure providers, traffic inside Iran dropped by more than 98 percent within half an hour of the restrictions being imposed on January 8, indicating a near-total communications blackout.
Iran has a documented history of internet shutdowns, particularly during periods of political unrest. Open internet advocates estimate that access has been blocked at least 17 times since 2018, often coinciding with protests or heightened security operations. The current disruption, however, is notable for its scope and technical sophistication. Rashidi described the situation as unprecedented in severity, warning that the state’s response reflects an increasingly aggressive effort to silence information flows and maintain control.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, has previously demonstrated resilience in conflict zones. During the war in Ukraine, the satellite network enabled civilian and military communication despite attempts to interfere with its signals. The system relies on thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites that frequently change frequencies and do not depend on terrestrial infrastructure, allowing connectivity even when ground-based networks are disabled. During the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, Starlink activated coverage over Iran, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable tool for activists, journalists, and emergency communication.
Experts now say Iran’s apparent success in disrupting Starlink represents a troubling shift. By targeting the GPS signals that Starlink terminals require to identify their location and connect to satellites, authorities appear to have found a temporary method to cut access. SpaceX has not publicly commented on the situation, and no technical workaround has yet been announced.
At the same time, access has not been uniformly restricted. Reports indicate that certain state-aligned outlets, government administrators, and select border regions continue to receive limited connectivity through a controlled “white list” system. Meanwhile, accounts from inside the country suggest security forces have intensified enforcement, including confiscating satellite equipment during home searches.
Digital rights advocates warn that the developments in Iran could have global implications. If satellite internet can be effectively disrupted using military-grade tools, it raises concerns for other regions that rely on such technology during crises. As governments worldwide expand their cyber and electronic warfare capabilities, the events unfolding in Iran are being closely watched as a potential indicator of the future of internet freedom under authoritarian pressure.
