Musk Italy Contact in Starlink Sovereignty Protection Guide
Rome: Elon Musk’s Italy contact Andrea Stroppa on Monday issued a guide to the security and sovereignty protections built into Starlink amid reports the SpaceX owner’s satellite programme may take over management of Italy’s telecoms security. “It’s a vademecum in the days of misery for non-biased journalists”, titled the post on X by Stroppa, with which – with questions and answers – he sought to reassure people on the Starlink system amid reports Premier Giorgia Meloni had made the telecoms deal with her personal friend, reports she flatly denied as “ridiculous.” The first FAQ concerns the security of the system: “Is it safe? Yes, it is very safe”, he assures.
According to Ansa News Agency, the guide addresses advanced encryption protocols, complex frequency modulations, and a dynamic satellite system designed to resist attacks, utilizing inter-satellite links. While there are no public reports of sabotage of low-orbit satellite networks, there are numerous incidents involving major damage to cables. Stroppa cites Ukraine as an example, noting that the country has not only continued to use Starlink since the beginning of the war but has also increased the range of services adopted.
A central question in the political debate concerns the potential sale of data abroad. Stroppa assures that there are configurations that allow for full control of the data and complete technical and legal sovereignty. He highlights that there should be no scandal regarding the use of American technology in Europe, as all European communication systems use US technologies such as Microsoft, iOS, the National Strategic Pole, Google, and Oracle. Stroppa also notes that telecommunications companies in Italy have not been under complete public control for years.
Addressing the possibility of preferring a European system, Stroppa points out that no European system currently exists. He refers to the IRIS2 project, which is led by French and German companies with a minority Italian group, and is expected to be operational by 2030 with only 270 satellites, insufficient to cover the needs of a medium-sized state. In contrast, Starlink has the capacity to launch satellites and has over 7000 active satellites, with plans to launch a new generation of even more powerful satellites, leading to economic savings and time efficiency.
Stroppa also preemptively addresses concerns about SpaceX and Musk, emphasizing collaborations with the Pentagon, numerous NATO governments, and missions for NASA and ESA, with activities in more than 110 countries worldwide. For those who may object to Musk personally, Stroppa responds dismissively, indicating confidence in the system’s capabilities and partnerships.