The Russian-Ukrainian war has wreaked havoc on several industries worldwide. Like the COVID-19 pandemic, the war has created chaos in the functioning of major sectors, especially the tech industry. While several market investors and tech companies are pulling out their services from Russia as well as Ukraine to avoid constraints caused by the war, SpaceX’s CEO is adamant about leveraging his freedom and liberty of speech to continue operations amidst the chaotic war space.
Unblocking Russian News Sources
SpaceX’s Elon Musk tweeted on Saturday that Starlink was told by some governments to block Russian news sources. Musk took to Twitter voicing his opinions: “Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint. Sorry to be a free speech absolutist.”
However, SpaceX did not immediately respond to the request for comment proposed by several media sources. A few days back the CEO warned Starlink systems could be targeted in Ukraine and advised people to use it with caution as the system is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine.
Minutes after announcing Starlink would not block Russia’s news outlets, Musk said in another tweeted: “SpaceX reprioritized to cyber defense & overcoming signal jamming.” He added that it will cause slight delays in Starship & Starlink V2.
Activated Services amidst Chaos
Musk said on February 27 that SpaceX had activated its Starlink internet service in Ukraine after pleas from Mykhailo Fedorov, vice prime minister and the minister of digital transformation, to provide more Starlink stations as the Russian invasion is disrupting the country’s internet services.
According to reports by several media outlets, a Starlink customer in Ukraine said he had readied his satellite internet dish for emergency use, in case regular broadband services were cut during Russia’s invasion. In early February 2022, SpaceX launched a faster version of the satellite internet service, called Starlink Premium. It said the version was designed for better performance in extreme weather conditions.
Also Read: How Big Tech plays a key role in easing Russia-Ukraine’s chaotic tension?
