Iran parliament has passed legislation criminalising the use of unlicensed electronic communication tools, including Starlink — the satellite internet service from SpaceX, owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
The new law imposes harsh penalties for offenders, including fines, flogging, and up to two years in prison.
According to reports, the move is intended to crack down on uncontrolled internet access that allows users to bypass government censorship.
The Iranian government says it seeks to maintain strict control over the country’s information space and limit access to uncensored content.
Iran Parliament Passes Laws Banning Use of Starlink
Starlink enables users to circumvent website blocks and government-imposed restrictions.
The internet provider has become one of the few tools Iranians can rely on during state-imposed internet blackouts, such as those enforced during the recent 12-day war with Israel.
For many Iranians, satellite internet has become the only way to learn about world events without filtering.
The growing use of such technology is driven by frustration over widespread censorship and the poor quality of domestic internet services, prompting citizens to seek alternatives that offer unrestricted access and allow streaming from foreign platforms.
However, Iranian authorities now claim that the unmonitored nature of satellite internet could pose a security threat. They allege that it may have enabled Israeli spies to communicate with Tel Aviv during recent tensions.
Reports emerged during the conflict that thousands of clandestine Starlink terminals were smuggled into the country to help users stay connected amid communication blackouts.
The legislation, ratified on June 23, reflects growing concerns in Tehran over foreign influence and the regime’s weakening grip on digital information control.
Also Read: Starlink Lifts Subscription Freeze in Nairobi After 7 Months Pause
Other Laws Passed
The legislation, titled “Increasing the Punishment for Espionage and Collaborating with Israel and Hostile Countries Against National Security and Interests,” comprises nine articles and introduces severe penalties for a broad range of activities deemed threatening to national security.
Under the new law, any form of intelligence or operational cooperation with Israel or other hostile states is classified as “corruption on earth” — a charge that carries the death penalty under Iranian law.
Capital punishment may also be applied to individuals involved in the production, transport, or use of lethal or unconventional weapons, military-grade drones or robots, cyberattacks, or the sabotage of critical infrastructure, if such acts are committed with the intent to aid hostile entities.
The law further criminalizes the receipt of funds or assets from foreign intelligence agents, even if no action is taken, as long as the recipient is aware of the sender’s affiliation.
Both decisions still need to be approved by the Guardian Council, a powerful constitutional oversight body. Such approval is usually a formality.
The Guardian Council has a role in vetoing laws – passed by parliament – overseeing elections and approving or disqualifying candidates.
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