The Daily PulseTechnology
RSS Affiliate Demands Ban on Starlink Over National Security and Regulatory Concerns
Reported by Aditya Chauhan (Staff Writer) · Livemint - Technology ·
Reported by one source so far
Photo: Wikimedia CommonsSecurity and Regulation
The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch has called for a total ban on the satellite-based internet services of Elon Musk-led Starlink in India. The RSS economic wing warns that the platform creates a serious national security risk by bypassing domestic regulatory bodies. Starlink uses laser technology to transmit messages between satellites, which could send user data abroad without sovereign oversight. Unauthorised Starlink equipment has already been found in multiple places across India. SJM National Co-Convener Ashwani Mahajan stated that if these terminals fall into the hands of criminals, smugglers, or terrorists, it could cause major law-and-order problems. Mahajan also criticized Elon Musk for his recent public remarks on market access, accusing the billionaire of trying to pressure the Indian government for a license.
Think Tank Report
A research paper by the Delhi-based Kutniti Foundation warns that Starlink acts as an instrument for US geopolitical influence rather than just a commercial network. The report describes the satellite system as a key asset for the US Intel-Military-Industrial complex, citing contracts with the US Department of Defence, Space Force, and the National Reconnaissance Office. It points to weaponised interdependence, where control over global network hubs allows for data observation and access denial. The study also argues that Starlink resists local laws by selling services before getting licenses and complying only under pressure. It notes that Brazil's Supreme Federal Court froze and later unfroze Starlink financial assets in 2024 following a legal dispute.
Context
India's space economy is valued at eight billion dollars and is projected to grow significantly over the next decade through commercial reforms. Satellite internet providers must navigate domestic gateway rules and licensing frameworks to ensure user data remains under local oversight and legal jurisdiction.
ExplainerWhy this matters
What Happened
The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch and a research paper by the Kutniti Foundation have raised strong objections against the entry of Starlink into India, citing national security risks, potential circumvention of domestic data gateways, and ties to US military and intelligence operations.
Why It Matters
Satellite internet providers operate differently from traditional telecom operators by communicating directly with space-based infrastructure. Critics argue that if these networks operate outside local regulatory oversight and gateway rules, nations lose the ability to monitor data flows, enforce legal compliance, or cut off compromised connections during a crisis, impacting sovereign control over critical communication channels.
What Happens Next
Starlink must secure the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals from Indian authorities before launching commercial services in the country. Indian regulators and policymakers will review these domestic security concerns and compliance requirements as part of the broader satellite spectrum allocation process.
More in Technology
TechnologyExplainerVerified — Confirmed by a second source: The Guardian - TechnologyImportant
Intelligence chiefs warn artificial intelligence could transform biological weapons development.
Reported by Siddharth Deshmukh (Staff Writer) · The Guardian - Technology ·
