News

Starlink, operating in France since 2021, is found to be in violation of national regulations. The service, like other internet operators in France, is required to provide access to intelligence services for data collection purposes during judicial investigations. However, Starlink has not complied with this requirement.

According to the French website L’Informé, Starlink is not in compliance with French regulations, specifically a law enacted in 2021 when the service was introduced in France. The issue of concern is that Starlink, like other operators in the country, should have sought authorization from ANSSI (the French National Agency for the Security of Information Systems).

To obtain authorization, operators must implement a system that allows French intelligence services to intercept customer data for the purpose of judicial investigations. Starlink, being an American operator, did not comply with this requirement and has remained silent in response to requests from authorities, including ANSSI.

As a result, government agencies are becoming increasingly frustrated with the situation and may have the power to impose sanctions on Starlink. Possible actions could include suspending the service or imposing fines of up to 3% of Starlink’s revenue. Additionally, the regulatory authority Arcep (French Authority for the Regulation of Electronic Communications, Postal Services, and Press Distribution) could require Starlink to dismantle its ground relay stations located in France.

Currently, Starlink only has two ground relay stations in the country, and its subscriber base is relatively small. Consequently, the impact of this regulatory obligation on intelligence services would be limited.

The outcome of this regulatory dispute between Starlink and the French government remains uncertain. However, there is a possibility that the company may have an advantage due to the operation of its satellite network being based in Ireland, where European Union law takes precedence over French law.

Despite the violation of French regulations, intelligence services may still be able to bypass Starlink’s resistance. Under certain specific circumstances, they are authorized to conduct surveillance and intercept digital communications without a judge’s approval. These conditions are limited to scenarios involving counterterrorism, organized crime, counter-interference, or national defense. The oversight of this process is managed by the National Commission for the Control of Intelligence Techniques (CNCTR). In such cases, data interception can be carried out near the facilities without necessarily informing the operators. However, this scheme is currently experimental and is authorized only until July 31, 2025.

The post Starlink Violates French Regulation, Facing Potential Sanctions appeared first on satProviders.