ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned about reports that Iranians are being arrested and tortured for the use of Starlink and circumvention tools to access the internet amid the longest internet shutdown in Iran’s history. At least one person, Hesam Alaeeddin, has died, reportedly beaten to death by security services following arrest for using satellite services to access the internet. The Iranian authorities must immediately restore full and unrestricted access to the internet in the country and cease the targeting of people exercising their rights. We urge the international community, governments, institutions, and the private sector to urgently support Iranians’ rights to free expression and access to information.
The internet shutdown in Iran has now extended beyond 80 days, during which millions of people have been cut off from access to information, communication with loved ones, emergency services, and independent reporting. As authorities continue to impose sweeping restrictions on internet access, satellite-based connectivity services have become one of the few remaining channels through which many Iranians can access information and communications.
In late April, reports emerged that 40-year-old Hesam Alaeeddin, detained in Teheran over alleged use of Starlink equipment, died after being severely beaten by government agents. Iran state media has also reported on multiple cases of people being arrested for selling and possessing Starlink terminals. In April, two foreign nationals were arrested for ‘importing satellite internet equipment’. In some cases of arrests, authorities have linked the use of Starlink, and other satellite internet equipment and circumvention technologies, to security-related accusations such as collaboration with the enemy.
The targeting of individuals for using satellite internet and other circumvention tools represents a dangerous escalation in the government’s efforts to isolate the population, suppress dissent, and control the flow of information. In 2025, authorities implemented penalties of two years in prison for the use, purchase, or sale of Starlink terminals, and 10 years or more for importing or distributing devices. Alaeeddin’s killing has sparked fears that punishment for similar activities is becoming harsher and more extreme.
While most people are cut off the internet and face punishments for seeking connectivity, in March, Iranian authorities announced that they would grant access to internet users ‘who can better deliver the message’ the government wants disseminated. At the same time, certain elites have been granted access to ‘white SIM-cards’, which provide mobile connections exempt from Iran’s filtering system, allowing access to blocked platforms including X, Telegram, and Instagram.
Meanwhile, people outside this ‘digital elite’ have reported the extreme toll the internet shutdown has taken on their livelihoods, leaving many unable to carry out the most basic functions of running a business. At times they have been forced to travel for hours to the borders with neighbouring countries just to connect with their families.
Iranian authorities have justified the ongoing internet shutdown on national security grounds, claiming its aim is to prevent surveillance, espionage, and cyber attacks amid ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
However, blanket internet shutdowns of this scale and duration are incompatible with international law. As ARTICLE 19 has previously documented, shutdowns violate the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, peaceful assembly, education, work, and access to health and emergency services. They also obstruct the documentation of human rights abuses and increase risks faced by those in already vulnerable situations.
ARTICLE 19 calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately and completely restore access to the international internet, cease the targeting of individuals accessing information and communication tools, and uphold the rights of all people in Iran to freely and safely access the open internet.
The international community must continue to speak out on these issues and increase pressure on the Iranian authorities to comply with international law and restore connectivity for Iranian people.
Donors and technology companies should expand financial and technical support for secure, resilient circumvention and encryption tools to counter Iran’s internet filtering and surveillance. Support must also be strengthened for Iran-focused diaspora organisations — particularly those working on digital security, documentation and assistance for frontline journalists and rights defenders — to strengthen resistance against internet shutdowns.