NEW DELHI: Star Link may be headed for new regulatory problems in India with satellite communications The devices from the company led by Elon Musk reach the hands of insurgents and smugglers, raising red flags with the ministry of interior 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 acquired the devices, citing data privacy laws. Concerned about a strange and illegal communication channel being used by illegal elements, MHA has now asked the Transport Department to immediately investigate the matter and take “appropriate action”, sources said. Questions sent to Starlink were not answered.
‘Starlink has refused to provide details citing data privacy laws’
For Starlink, the recovery of satcom devices in India from illegal elements comes at a time when the company’s license application is pending before the government due to security concerns.
“The government had written to Starlink to know the ownership of the devices after their recovery with drug dealers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, but the company has refused to provide details citing data privacy laws,” a source said. The government acted after an investigation into the largest drug haul of 6,000 kg of methamphetamine in the Islands. Andaman showed that smugglers from Myanmar were using the Starlink satellite internet services for navigation.
Andaman CEO Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal said smugglers directly operated satellite phones, creating a WiFi hotspot.
In the other case in Manipur, Starlink satellite communication devices were found with insurgents during a raid by the Army and Assam Rifles.
When an There is growing concern among security authorities over cases where devices end up in the hands of illegal elements.
Teams representing Starlink have met DoT and MHA officials, seeking clarification on any objections and giving details about their plans. Government officials said they have sought new details about the “security aspects” of Starlink, adding that permission will be granted after the government is satisfied with measures taken to control illegal communication setups as well as the movement of data.
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