Drones 'hunt' for Starlink users in Iran as internet blackout continues

France 24Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 10:24:43 AM
Drones 'hunt' for Starlink users in Iran as internet blackout continues
  • In Iran, an ongoing internet blackout has prompted the government to deploy drones to locate Starlink users attempting to communicate with the outside world. This blackout follows intensified censorship efforts, including jamming the Starlink satellite service, which had been made available for free to citizens amid the crisis.
  • The Iranian government's actions reflect a broader strategy to suppress dissent and control information flow, particularly as citizens increasingly rely on satellite technology for communication during the blackout.
  • This situation mirrors similar developments in Uganda, where authorities have also shut down the internet ahead of presidential elections, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. The global trend of internet censorship highlights the ongoing struggle for free expression and access to information in authoritarian regimes.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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