Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, has faced controversies across several countries, ranging from legal disputes and battlefield disruptions to allegations of unauthorised use and smuggling.
While the service has helped provide connectivity in conflict zones and areas with damaged telecommunications infrastructure, its role has also raised questions about regulatory oversight and the influence of private satellite networks.
Here is a look at five countries where Starlink has faced scrutiny.
Brazil: Starlink Initially Resisted Order To Block X
In September 2024, Starlink initially told Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, that it would not comply with a court order to block social media platform X until its frozen accounts were released.
The dispute followed a Brazilian Supreme Court order suspending X after the platform failed to appoint a local legal representative, as required by the court. Justice Alexandre de Moraes subsequently froze the Brazilian bank accounts of Starlink and X amid the dispute.
Starlink later reversed its position and agreed to enforce the ban on X. The company faced the prospect of enforcement measures, including the seizure of equipment at its ground stations if it continued to defy the order. Brazil’s Supreme Court subsequently lifted the account freezes after funds were transferred to the government.
The episode raised questions about the relationship between a satellite internet provider and a social media platform owned by the same billionaire, as well as the enforceability of national court orders against global technology companies. The Guardian
Ukraine: Starlink Coverage Disrupted During A Counteroffensive
Starlink became a crucial communications tool for Ukrainian forces following Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. However, the service’s role in the conflict came under scrutiny following a Reuters investigation published in July 2025.
According to Reuters, Elon Musk ordered SpaceX engineers to disable Starlink coverage in areas including Kherson during a Ukrainian counteroffensive in September 2022. The reported shutdown also affected areas of Donetsk, disrupting communications for Ukrainian troops operating near the front lines.
Reuters reported that the disruption affected military communications and operations involving surveillance drones and artillery. SpaceX disputed the accuracy of the report, saying Starlink remained committed to providing service to Ukraine.
The episode renewed concerns about the influence a private company and its leadership could exercise over communications infrastructure used in an active war.
Ukraine’s reliance on Starlink highlighted the strategic importance of privately operated satellite networks and the risks associated with depending on a commercial provider during military operations. The Indian Express
Russia: Starlink Terminals Used By Russian Forces Were Deactivated
In February 2026, Starlink terminals used by Russian forces on the battlefield in Ukraine were deactivated, according to Ukrainian officials cited by Reuters.
Ukraine had been working with SpaceX to prevent unauthorised Russian use of the service, including through terminals reportedly installed on long-range attack drones. Ukrainian officials said they were developing a verification system, or whitelist, to identify authorised terminals operating in Ukraine and block unauthorised devices.
Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said terminals that had not been included on the authorised list were being blocked. Reuters reported that the move disrupted Russian military communications, although it could not independently verify the full scale of the impact.
A senior Russian military official later acknowledged that Russian military Starlink terminals had been out of operation for approximately two weeks, while disputing claims that the disruption had affected the effectiveness of Russian drone operations.
The incident demonstrated how access to satellite communications can influence battlefield operations and how restricting unauthorised terminals can become part of a wider military strategy. Internazionale
Sudan: Starlink Became A Lifeline Amid Telecommunications Disruptions
Sudan’s ongoing conflict has severely damaged telecommunications infrastructure, leaving people in several areas struggling to access reliable internet services. Starlink has provided an alternative connection in some parts of the country, particularly in Darfur, where conventional telecommunications have been heavily disrupted.
According to Freedom House’s Freedom on the Net 2024 report, both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and humanitarian organisations relied on Starlink in Darfur. The report also noted that terminals had been smuggled into Sudan from neighbouring countries despite restrictions on importing the devices.
However, access remained expensive. Freedom House reported that residents in areas controlled by the RSF faced high charges for connectivity. Starlink announced in April 2024 that it would block service to terminals operating in countries where it lacked a licence, including Sudan, although terminals were still reported to be operational in Darfur in May that year.
Sudan illustrates the dual role of satellite internet in conflict zones: it can help communities and humanitarian organisations stay connected, but unauthorised access, high prices and the use of connectivity by armed groups create regulatory and security challenges.
India: Starlink Devices Linked To Smuggling And Unauthorised Use
Starlink attracted scrutiny in India in December 2024 after authorities seized satellite communication equipment in two separate cases.
In one case, Indian authorities sought information from Starlink after a satellite internet device was found aboard a vessel intercepted by security agencies in connection with a suspected methamphetamine shipment worth an estimated $4.2 billion.
Investigators sought purchase details of the device and suspected that the equipment might have been used to help navigate the vessel. The suspected use of the device was an investigative lead, not an established finding that Starlink itself was involved in smuggling.
In a separate incident, Indian security personnel recovered a Starlink-branded satellite dish and receiver during a search operation in Manipur. Security officials suspected that the equipment had been used by militants to access the internet despite government restrictions. Reports also indicated that unauthorised devices could have been brought into India through the porous border with Myanmar.
Musk subsequently said on X that Starlink’s satellite beams were switched off over India and had never been active there. At the time of these incidents, Starlink had not launched authorised commercial services in the country.
The incidents raised concerns about the unauthorised movement and use of satellite communication equipment, particularly in areas affected by insurgency, internet restrictions and cross-border smuggling. They also highlighted the challenges authorities face in tracing devices that can operate across borders.
