Starlink could disrupt authoritarian propaganda in countries that isolate themselves.
The constellation's ability to provide internet access from anywhere across the world could facilitate the end of authoritarian regimes.
📝Abstract.
It’s difficult not admiring Elon Musk’s tenacity for technological breakthroughs. His desire to solve genuinely difficult problems to help advance humanity is phenomenal. Among his growing list of ambitious ventures is Starlink, a project I feel is bound to be his most impactful endeavor given its immediate socio-political implications.
🌐Overview of Starlink.
Elon’s vision of Starlink is to provide internet access to some of the most remote areas on Earth through a low-earth-orbit satellite constellation. So far, SpaceX has applied to launch 30,000 satellites but has 775 in orbit as of 6th October 2020.
That said, Elon has cited that SpaceX merely needed 400 satellites for minor coverage, and 800 for moderate coverage. Given this, it is no surprise that we are already starting to see some truly fascinating results.
More recently, we heard of a Native American tribe whose way of life had been dramatically altered for the better. Just this Wednesday, the Hoh Tribe tweeted that it received access to SpaceX’s Starlink service, stating that they had astonishingly slow service prior.
We are bound to hear of more life-changing scenarios such as this. One can simply imagine the number of geniuses in remote locations finally gaining access to the gateway of information that is the internet.
But one possible impact that has been ignored by the mainstream is its ability to bypass censorship in authoritarian regimes.
🏛️Authoritarian regimes and censorship.
Authoritarian regimes such as Iran blatantly disconnect its citizens from the internet to prevent uprisings and protests.
China has been successful in creating what has been called “The Great Firewall of China”. A sort of filter that has shielded the CCP from criticism by making its citizens blind to the realities of the outside world.
This model of curbing uprisings is being exported around the world and is even evident in Ethiopia and more recently, Belarus and India.
Why censor you may ask?
Censorship is integral to the sustenance of the status quo. It does not necessarily prevent criticism. But what authoritarian governments fear, is the possibility of revolt. In a study published in 2013, Gary King et al. state:
Contrary to previous understandings, posts with negative, even vitriolic,criticism of the state, its leaders, and its policies are not more likely to be censored. Instead, we show that the censorship program is aimed at curtailing collective action by silencing comments that represent,reinforce, or spur social mobilization, regardless of content. Censorship is oriented toward attempting to forestall collective activities that are occurring now or may occur in the future—and, as such, seem to clearly expose government intent.
This excerpt was taken from a study done on the Social Media content of Chinese citizens to see what the censorship program was doing.
🚀Possible opposition to SpaceX.
Now, if Starlink does indeed cover almost every aspect of the Earth (or at least the most remote parts), it becomes undeniable that its power to connect insurgents and raise the curiosity of the oppressed is magnified.
But such power does not mean it will be able to use it, particularly for this purpose.
For one, Elon’s business partners may include not only the American government but foreign governments as well. If there seems to be the opportunity to create some good while not threading on some toes, there’s little doubt that Elon may take that route instead.
There’s also the issue of Elon’s other ambitious business venture, Tesla. Tesla’s goal of making sure that EV’s become the norm globally, has meant that it has had to do business with and in China. This gives the CCP some leverage in dictating coverage in China. Elon would have to give up the growth of what is arguably his most profitable venture. A compromise he’s probably unwilling to take.
🐱💻Possible ways to bypass limitations.
That said, the way Starlink may provide access to its services could prove influential in providing information to oppressed citizens.
From early leaks (and Elon himself) SpaceX may be providing its services through terminals that look like “UFOs on a stick”. They’ll also be able to self adjust once plugged into a socket.
Ufo on a stick. Via Business Insider
The ease of use means it’s bound to have wide adoption. But let’s say the terminals were indeed banned in certain authoritarian countries. Then, one could make use of 3D printers to replicate the terminals. But there’s also the fact that things which are explicitly banned, gain enthusiasts in the more shady aspects of a region. There could as a result of a ban, be a huge spike in underground dealings of such terminals. It ultimately makes censorship far more difficult by removing the ultimate kill switch from the hands of an authoritarian regime.
👨🚀At the end of the day, no one but Elon decides if Starlink would be used towards such a purpose.
It would be hard to blame him for shirking on this opportunity, if it means some kids somewhere gain access to the internet, even in limited form.
But we do hope Elon considers this option. Freedom of information has been an integral piece in advancing democracy and enabling prosperity everywhere. It’s why Tyrants detest it so much.
Back in Nazi Germany, the chief propagandist Goebbels knew it would be difficult to censor every household. Doing so was difficult because external broadcasts from other nations were difficult to deal with. And so, he ensured that listening to foreign broadcasts was a treasonable offense.
Such could be the case with Starlink, but the tremendous potential to disrupt internal propaganda is something we should all advocate for.
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Thanks for reading and till next time!