Kathrine Frich
This would impact international satellite internet providers, including SpaceX’s Starlink.
The Chinese government has proposed a new set of regulations aimed at satellite broadband internet, significantly enhancing its already stringent censorship measures.
Extending Firewall into Outer Space
The draft rules, released by the Cyberspace Administration of China, mandate real-time censorship of internet content accessed via satellite connections, effectively extending the country’s “Great Firewall” into outer space.
Under the proposed regulations, individuals and organizations using satellite internet terminals would be prohibited from producing, copying, or disseminating content deemed illegal under Chinese law, according to Hotnews.
This includes materials that threaten state power, promote terrorism, or incite social unrest. The list of prohibited content highlights the regime’s desire to control the narrative and restrict dissenting opinions.
Aply to Any Device Allowing for Satellite Communications
The new regulations target a broad range of devices, including fixed and portable terminals, as well as installations on ships, aircraft, and vehicles. Essentially, any device that allows users to access satellite communications for calls, texts, or data transfers will fall under these rules.
Notably, this would impact international satellite internet providers, including SpaceX’s Starlink, which is known for its global internet coverage.
Furthermore, the draft regulations suggest that anyone distributing audio and video content via satellite internet may be required to obtain a license from Chinese authorities. This move aligns with the government’s efforts to enhance user identification and tracking, a component already prevalent in domestic internet services.
Public discussions on these proposals are open until October 27, amid China’s recent launch of its first batch of broadband satellites. The initiative, part of the “Qianfan” constellation project, aims to deploy a total of 15,000 satellites by 2030, paralleling similar efforts by private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin.