BrasÃlia, Brazil — Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office has reached a landmark agreement with Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink in a bid to clamp down on the technology’s use by criminal groups operating in the Amazon rainforest.
The Starlink network, known for its fast and portable satellite internet service, has quickly gained traction across the remote Amazon region, which has long suffered from poor digital connectivity. While the system has improved communication for many remote communities, it has also been exploited by illegal miners and other criminal groups to manage operations, move money, and evade law enforcement. This new deal marks the first formal step taken by the government to curb such activity after years of concern from Brazilian officials.
As part of the agreement, Starlink—owned by Musk’s aerospace company SpaceX—will begin enforcing stricter user identification requirements in the Amazon beginning in January. New users in the region will be required to provide both identification and proof of residence. Additionally, the company will share registration details and geolocation data with Brazilian authorities for terminals located in areas under official investigation. If a terminal is found to be aiding illegal activity, Starlink has agreed to shut off its service. The agreement will last for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Illegal gold mining has wreaked havoc across the Amazon, contaminating rivers with toxic mercury and disrupting the lives of Indigenous communities, including the Yanomami. Starlink, which first became active in the region in 2022, has allowed criminal groups to operate in some of the most inaccessible parts of the rainforest. In areas only reachable by boat or small aircraft, fast internet has helped streamline illegal logistics.
Federal prosecutor André Porreca said in a statement that satellite internet has fundamentally changed the landscape of criminal activity in remote regions, requiring a new legal framework. He emphasized that the agreement is not just about enforcement, but also about using connectivity as a means to protect the environment and uphold national sovereignty.
Historically, illegal miners and loggers relied on basic communication tools like radio to stay ahead of enforcement. But with Starlink, their ability to receive and transmit real-time updates has significantly improved. Hugo Loss, an operations coordinator with Brazil’s environmental agency, said in an interview that criminals have used the technology to monitor the movement of enforcement teams, allowing them to flee before raids can take place. This not only hampers enforcement but also puts the safety of officials at risk.
Loss stressed that cutting off internet access in protected regions, especially Indigenous lands, is critical. In those areas, he said, the service serves no legitimate purpose and is being used solely to support criminal activity.
Jair Schmitt, who leads environmental protection efforts for the agency, added that while the Starlink deal is a step forward, more comprehensive regulations are also needed to control how satellite internet equipment is sold and used.
The Associated Press contacted SpaceX’s Vice President of Communications, James Gleeson, for comment but did not receive an immediate response.
The AP’s coverage of climate and the environment is supported by various private foundations. The news agency retains full editorial independence.
