tech
January 13, 2026
An ecosystem of smuggled tech holds Iran’s last link to the outside world
Despite internet blackout, a small number of Iranians are risking their lives to share messages as protests continue
TL;DR
- Iran has imposed its most severe internet blackout in years during escalating anti-government protests.
- Starlink terminals, smuggled into the country, represent a crucial, albeit small, link to the outside world for some Iranians.
- The Iranian government is actively hunting Starlink terminals, using electronic warfare tools and drones for detection.
- Possessing a Starlink terminal is now illegal in Iran and punishable by up to 10 years in prison, framed as espionage.
- The government is developing a national internet, a restricted version of the web with primarily domestic content and services.
- Experts suggest that Iran's full internet access may not return, replaced by the controlled national internet infrastructure.
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