Starlink: Elon Musk's Satellite Internet Becomes Geopolitical Force in Wars & Protests

• Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet service, has emerged as a powerful geopolitical tool in regions experiencing wars, protests, and political upheaval.
• Unlike traditional internet, Starlink uses low Earth orbit satellites, making it resilient against government shutdowns and infrastructure damage, as seen in Iran, Venezuela, and Ukraine.
• In Iran, Starlink helped protesters bypass internet blackouts, despite the government criminalizing its use and attempting to jam signals.
• Starlink provided crucial information and connectivity in Venezuela after political turmoil and infrastructure damage, with Musk offering free service until 2026.
• In Ukraine, Starlink is a vital digital lifeline for both civilians and military operations, ensuring communication amidst Russian attacks, though concerns about private control and potential outages persist.

Why It Matters: Starlink's unique satellite technology makes it a critical, yet controversial, player in global conflicts and information access.