Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, tweeted that he had activated his broadband service Starlink in response to the US Treasury Department’s announcement that it was relaxing internet sanctions against Iran after that country’s government restricted its residents’ access to social media. By permitting American technology companies to grow their operations in Iran, the Treasury has opened the door for Iranians to access safe platforms and services.
The updated guidance authorises the companies to offer access to social media platforms, cloud-based services and online maps.
Lifting the restrictions is aimed at bypassing Iranian censorship and surveillance efforts after more than 80 million people were cut off from WhatsApp and Instagram.
Protests have erupted across the country over the death of Mahsa Amini, who died last week while in the custody of Iran’s morality police for allegedly not covering her hair properly.
“In the face of these steps, we are going to help make sure the Iranian people are not kept isolated and in the dark,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a statement.
In a response to a tweeted-out version of Mr Blinken’s statement, Mr Musk said: “Activating Starlink …”
