The newly published text of a draft Iranian anti-espionage law increases punishments for the use of Elon Musk's Starlink internet technology, including the death penalty if used for spying.
The use of Starlink or other unauthorized satellite internet services for personal purposes is explicitly banned and punishable by six months to two years in prison.
"The use, possession, purchase, sale, or import of unlicensed electronic, internet, or satellite communication devices—such as Starlink—for personal use is prohibited and punishable by sixth-degree imprisonment, with the equipment to be confiscated," it says.
"If any of these actions are committed with the intent to act against the system or for espionage, and the perpetrator is deemed to be an enemy agent, the punishment is death," it added.
Iran suffered serious blows and intelligence failures during its 12-day war with Israel and the United States in June. The draft law was introduced following the conflict.
It further specifies that “any intelligence or espionage activity for the aforementioned regimes, governments, groups, or their affiliates shall result in confiscation of all property and the death penalty" and frequently cites the charge of "corruption on earth."
The religious phrase constitutes a formal charge under Iran’s Islamic legal system and is frequently used by Revolutionary Courts to hand down death sentences against political prisoners.
Since Starlink is an American company, activities related to its use, distribution or import could fall under the scope of “corruption on earth” charges.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, became a symbol of digital freedom in Iran after it was used to bypass government internet shutdowns during the Woman, Life, Freedom nationwide protests.
The unrest began in September 2022 after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in the custody of Iran's morality police, who detained her for allegedly violating hijab rules.
Western governments had encouraged the deployment of Starlink to help Iranians access the open internet when the regime imposed widespread restrictions.
