In an unusual intersection of global innovation and geopolitical tension, Elon Musk is warning users to be careful using his Starlink system for satellite communications in the Russian zone.
The ongoing invasion of the Ukraine by Russia is having tremendous effects on markets, investments, international business, and other elements of our modern societies.
Now, tech media shows Musk tweeting a warning that Starlink cellular nodes might be used as beacons for targeted Russian attacks.
“Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high,” Musk tweeted succinctly yesterday afternoon. “Please use with caution.”
Russia and their neighbors in Eastern Europe have quite a reputation for hacking and cyber espionage.
But the current disclaimer about Starlink is a grim reminder that in war, too often, anything goes
Reports from sources like Mint pass on Musk’s recommendation for users to “turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible” and “place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection.”
“Musk said SpaceX was updating software to reduce peak power consumption, so Starlink can be powered from car cigarette lighters,” reports an anonymous author.
“Musk’s warning comes after John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab project, said Russia could use Starlink’s uplink transmissions in Ukraine as beacons for airstrikes,” writes Mariella Moon for Engadget, citing a Reuters report. “In a lengthy Twitter thread, he explained Russia’s extensive experience when it comes to targeting people while they’re using satphones and other kinds of satellite technologies.”
To add to the dark irony of the situation, Starlink was just rolled out in the Ukraine – just days ago. Loren Grush at The Verge has filed a piece on new Ukranian users lighting up their devices for the first time. Now, many of them are likely to quickly turn them back off, and hide them under their pillows.
Look for more as the world hopes for peace in the region.