Starlink not to block Russian media outlets
2 Min Read
Elon Musk disregards the sanctioning campaign launched against Russia and refuses to block the latter's media.
-
Starlink won't block Russian news media outlets -Musk
Despite western pressure, Starlink satellite internet provider decides not to block Russian media, stated Elon Musk on Saturday.
"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," Musk tweeted.
Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2022
Sorry to be a free speech absolutist.
SpaceX's Starlink satellites deployed across Ukraine
In the meantime, SpaceX's Starlink satellites were deployed across Ukraine after a request from the Ukrainian Vice PM, promising more are yet to come, according to Musk himself.
Mykhailo Fedorov, also Ukraine's Minister of Digital Transformation, tweeted Musk requesting that SpaceX switch on its Starlink broadband satellites to supplement the country's Internet services which have been allegedly disrupted during Russia's special military operation.
@elonmusk, while you try to colonize Mars — Russia try to occupy Ukraine! While your rockets successfully land from space — Russian rockets attack Ukrainian civil people! We ask you to provide Ukraine with Starlink stations and to address sane Russians to stand.
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 26, 2022
Within hours, his request was granted just like that. "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route," Musk tweeted in reply.
Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 26, 2022
Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine to "denazify" the country, in response to calls from Donetsk and Lugansk to counter Ukrainian aggression.
On the other hand, as part of the campaign of sanctions against Russia after its military operation in Ukraine, Google Europe has blocked Youtube channels connected to RT and Sputnik across Europe "effective immediately".
"It’ll take time for our systems to fully ramp up. Our teams continue to monitor the situation around the clock to take swift action," a statement by the company read on Twitter.
