2 days Ago By Pankaj Doval
NEW DELHI: Starlink may be heading into fresh regulatory trouble in India with satellite communications devices of the Elon Musk-run company finding its way into the hands of insurgents and smugglers, raising red flags with the home ministry and the department of telecommunications. What has made the situation even more challenging for the government is that Starlink has refused to provide details of those who originally procured the devices, citing data privacy laws. Concerned over an alien, and illegal, communications channel being used by unlawful elements, MHA has now asked DoT to look into the matter immediately and take "appropriate steps", sources said.
Questions sent to Starlink did not elicit a response. 'Starlink has refused to provide details citing data privacy laws' For Starlink, the recovery of satcom devices in India in the hands of unlawful elements comes at a time when the licence application of the company has been pending with government due to security issues. "Government had written to Starlink to know about the ownership of the devices after their recovery with drug smugglers in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, but the company has refused to provide details citing data privacy laws," said a source.
Government acted after a probe into the biggest drug haul of 6,000kg of methamphetamine in the Andamans showed that smugglers from Myanmar were using the Starlink satellite internet services for navigation. Andamans DGP Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal said the smugglers directly operated phones with satellites, creating a WiFi hotspot. In the other case in Manipur, Starlink satcom devices were found with insurgents during a raid by Army and Assam Rifles.
When a user on X pointed out the recovery of equipment in Manipur and tagged Musk, the billionaire CEO denied operationalisation of the company's services, "This is false. Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India." There is a growing concern with the security establishment over instances of the devices finding their way into the hands of unlawful elements.
Teams representing Starlink have been meeting officials in DoT and MHA, seeking clarification around any objections while giving out details around their plans. government officials said they have sought fresh details around "security aspects" from Starlink and added that permission will be given after government was satisfied with the measures taken to control illegal communication setups as well as data movement. Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat , Ox , Tiger , Rabbit , Dragon , Snake , Horse , Goat , Monkey , Rooster , Dog , and Pig zodiac signs.
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