Brazil and Starlink sign historic agreement: Satellite internet to combat crime in the Amazon.
For the first time, Starlink, Elon Musk’s company, has signed an agreement with Brazil where its connectivity has been used by criminal organizations to facilitate illegal mining.
Starlink under surveillance in the jungle
Since January, new users will need to provide proof of residence and identification to activate the service in the region. SpaceX will also share geolocation data and records with authorities related to active terminals in areas under investigation.
Connectivity that fueled crime
Its fast and portable internet surpassed the limitations of old radios and allowed illegal miners to coordinate flights, payments, and alerts of possible raids.
Real-time risks
According to Hugo Loss, operational coordinator of the Brazilian environmental agency, they were transmitting real-time locations, undermining their operations completely. Jair Schmitt, head of environmental protection, warned that this agreement is just a first step. It will also be necessary to regulate more firmly the sale and distribution of equipment that could be easily acquired in the region. As the Brazilian government tries to cut off the channels feeding environmental crime, technology may help save one of its last frontiers for the first time.
