Senator Urges Elon Musk to Tackle Deceptive ‘Scam Compounds’ Using Starlink Satellite Internet Service

In a formal correspondence dated Monday, United States Senator Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) addressed Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, emphasizing the necessity for preventative measures to be implemented against criminal elements in Southeast Asia who have been utilizing Starlink for online fraud schemes targeting American consumers.

In her letter, Senator Hassan underscored SpaceX’s responsibility to safeguard its satellite internet service, Starlink, from being exploited by transnational criminals operating in dedicated compounds within Myanmar. These facilities frequently involve forced labor of hundreds of individuals proficient in the English language, who engage in romance or investment scams, often referred to as “pig butchering,” through the illicit use of Starlink’s high-speed broadband service.

The senator pointed out that by installing smuggled Starlink dishes, these criminal operations can launch fraudulent activities via text messages, dating apps, and social media platforms. Recent investigations have revealed that certain scam facilities in Myanmar have augmented their use of Starlink dishes following attempts to restrict internet access in Thailand.

Senator Hassan has since expressed concern over SpaceX’s lack of public acknowledgment regarding the misuse of Starlink for scams originating in Southeast Asia and is now seeking clarification from Musk regarding the company’s approach towards this issue. Specifically, she requests information on SpaceX’s policies and procedures for investigating, deactivating, or restricting Starlink devices that are associated with criminal activities in the region.

The senator has set an August 18th deadline for Musk to respond to her inquiries, which include queries concerning the revenue generated by Starlink from devices used by scammers and the number of dishes SpaceX has investigated in connection with Southeast Asian scam networks.

It is anticipated that SpaceX will provide a response addressing these concerns in due course. The company’s acceptable use policy explicitly prohibits fraudulent and deceptive practices involving Starlink, with violations leading to termination of service. While Starlink is not officially available in Myanmar, Cambodia, or Thailand, the Roam Unlimited tier allows for its utilization in Southeast Asia for a minimum duration of two months.