Democratic lawmakers have opened an inquiry into SpaceX following reports that Russia may be using the company’s Starlink satellite internet service in occupied areas of Ukraine. The investigation centers on whether such use could violate U.S. sanctions and export controls.
In a letter sent Wednesday to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, Representatives Jamie Raskin (D‑Md.) and Robert Garcia (D‑Calif.) cited intelligence from Ukraine indicating that Russian forces have allegedly deployed and activated Starlink terminals in occupied regions of eastern and southern Ukraine.
“It is alarming that Russia may be obtaining and using your technology to coordinate attacks against Ukrainian troops in illegally occupied regions in Eastern and Southern Ukraine, potentially in violation of US sanctions and export controls,” the lawmakers wrote.
Although SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has denied that SpaceX sold Starlink equipment directly or indirectly to Russia, Raskin and Garcia asked whether the company’s safeguards are sufficient to prevent sanctioned entities from illicitly acquiring or using the terminals.
“According to Ukraine, the misuse of Starlink terminals is ‘systemic,’ raising additional questions about the efficacy of your company’s safeguards and compliance with US sanctions and export controls,” the letter states.
Raskin, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, and Garcia, the top Democrat on the national security subcommittee, requested detailed information by March 20 on SpaceX’s vetting procedures, investigation practices, and coordination with U.S. government agencies to enforce sanctions.
SpaceX has said it disables Starlink service when terminals are confirmed to be used by sanctioned parties:
SpaceX does not do business of any kind with the Russian Government or its military.
Starlink is not active in Russia, meaning service will not work in that country. SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it shipped equipment to locations in Russia. If…
— Starlink (@Starlink) February 8, 2024
Still, the lawmakers expressed concern that SpaceX “may not have appropriate guardrails and policies in place,” given Ukraine’s claims of widespread misuse.
The letter asks SpaceX to answer seven specific questions:
- How many reports or complaints has SpaceX received regarding possible illegal acquisition, trade, or use of Starlink terminals, including in Russian‑occupied territories in Ukraine? How many of those reports has SpaceX investigated?
- How does SpaceX assess, review, or evaluate reports or complaints about possible illegal acquisition, trade, or use of Starlink terminals, including in Russian‑occupied territories in Ukraine?
- What guidance and policies does SpaceX maintain to prevent illegal acquisition, trade, or use of Starlink terminals?
- What steps does SpaceX follow if it determines an actor has illegally acquired, traded, or used Starlink terminals?
- What actions has SpaceX taken to ensure Starlink users comply with U.S. sanctions and export control laws, including those related to Russia?
- What actions has SpaceX taken or considered to address security vulnerabilities that could allow actors—such as Russia—to illicitly acquire, trade, or use Starlink terminals, including in occupied regions of Ukraine?
- How does SpaceX and its subsidiaries coordinate with the Departments of Justice, Commerce, and the Treasury to prevent illicit acquisition, trade, or use of satellite terminals, including in Russian‑occupied territories in Ukraine?
The probe underscores growing scrutiny of how U.S. commercial satellite technology might be exploited amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It remains unclear how Russian forces would have obtained Starlink units, which have been vital for internet access in many parts of Ukraine after telecommunications infrastructure was damaged by bombing.
SpaceX and U.S. officials have previously warned about fraudulent offers claiming to provide Starlink service in Russia, where the network is not active. In their letter, Raskin and Garcia emphasized the importance of protecting “Ukrainian lives, and US national security” from any alleged exploitation of Starlink technology.
(Photo by ANIRUDH on Unsplash)
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