U.S. authorities have given SpaceX CEO Elon Musk permission to activate the satellite internet service Starlink in support of Iranian protesters.
A major mobile phone operator disrupted on Saturday, leaving millions of Iranians unable to access social media and some content.
The US Treasury Department on Friday issued guidance expanding internet access to Iranians despite US sanctions.
In Iran, protests have erupted after Mahsa Amini died after being detained by “morality police” who questioned her headscarf style.
There have been demonstrations across Iran for eight nights straight. Five security personnel have died in “recent riots”, up from 17 previously.
In a statement, the US State Department said the updated license is self-executing and “anyone meeting the criteria can proceed””.
Starlink clearance to operate in Iran
Starlink’s clearance to operate in Iran not confirmed by Musk.
The company wants to offer its Starlink satellite broadband service to Iranians and will ask for a sanctions exception, however, he said on Monday.
According to residents and NetBlocks, Iran has blocked Instagram and WhatsApp amid protests.
The Iranian government has been filtering the internet for decades, according to Azadeh Akbari of the University of Twente.
In order to crack down on access, she used examples of “keyboard filtering” and arrests of journalists.
After the shutdown of global cyberspace in Iran, Akbari says members of the public will have a harder time accessing safe messenger apps.
Mobile video journalist Yusuf Omar said the Iranian government limits internet access as part of its censorship and self-censorship efforts.
Our contacts want to send videos even if they have internet access for a few hours.
Raisi said Iran needs to deal decisively with those who oppose its security and tranquility, Iranian state media reported.
She made her comments over the phone to the family of a security agent stabbed to death by protesters last week.
