Elon Musk Says Starlink Will Only Block Russian News Sources Under One Condition

Elon Musk has claimed that Starlink will only block Russian news sources under one condition.

The billionaire answered Ukraine's calls for help earlier this week, sending Starlink terminals to the nation amid Russia's invasion.

The technology provides high speed broadband through a network of terminals, which are essentially like small satellite dishes.

As airstrikes hail down on Ukraine, internet signal could be cut off or intercepted, jeopardising clear and reliable communication - hence Starlink could be an invaluable asset.

However, Musk is seemingly reluctant to cut off Russian news sources altogether on Starlink.

The 50-year-old claimed governments have been urging him to take the step, as Russian state media shares propaganda about the war.

But evidently, Musk values preserving free speech over tackling misinformation, as he said he would only block Russian news at gunpoint.

He tweeted: "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."

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.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 5, 2022

Musk sent Starlink terminals to Ukraine after vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov made a public appeal for help.

He tweeted: "@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."

Musk replied: "Starlink service is now active in Ukraine. More terminals en route."

Starlink — here. Thanks, @elonmusk pic.twitter.com/dZbaYqWYCf

— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) February 28, 2022

The pressure on Musk to block Russian news outlets comes after the EU announced on Wednesday (2 March) that state-controlled media outlets RT and Sputnik would be immediately banned in the 27-country block.

In a statement, EU president Ursula von der Leyen said: "In this time of war, words matter. We are witnessing massive propaganda and disinformation over this outrageous attack on a free and independent country.

"We will not let Kremlin apologists pour their toxic lies justifying Putin’s war or sow the seeds of division in our Union."

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell added: "Systematic information manipulation and disinformation by the Kremlin is applied as an operational tool in its assault on Ukraine.

"It is also a significant and direct threat to the Union's public order and security."

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