India scrutinizes SpaceX's Starlink laser data links over foreign surveillance
India is taking a closer look at Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, because its laser-based data links (LISL) can send information between satellites without touching ground stations.
The government is worried this could mean Indian users' data might pass through other countries or get caught up in foreign surveillance.
India may request Starlink limit LISL
To keep things secure, officials might ask Starlink to turn off or limit this technology for Indian users.
Older Starlink satellites do not have LISL, and rival services like Jio-SES and Eutelsat Oneweb are not under the microscope since they do not use it.
All three have satcom permits but are still waiting for final security clearance before going live in India.
Meanwhile, Starlink is working on local gateways and control centers to meet India's rules.