SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said over the weekend that the company won't block access to Russian new sources on its Starlink internet system—despite requests from some governments—unless they're forced to "at gunpoint."
"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 Saturday, garnering over 445,000 likes and over 64,000 retweets.
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.
Musk took the Twitter replies all in stride, responding to some pointing out that Russian news is "propaganda" and state-run. "All news sources are partially propaganda, some more than others," Musk responded to pro-Ukraine critics.
All news sources are partially propaganda, some more than others
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2022
A week earlier Musk had announced that the Starlink satellite internet service was now active in Ukraine in an effort to help alleviate connectivity issues facing the nation amid the Russian invasion. The company sent antennas and terminals to the country later in the week to help restore internet and communications.
Musk also warned that Sarlink could be targeted and instructed users how to avoid Russian meddling. "Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk advised Thursday.
Since the invasion of Ukraine, the Tesla CEO has issued social media statements of support for the Ukrainian people. "Hold Strong Ukraine," Musk wrote Friday.
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