Starlink's operations in Chad are subject to enhanced supervision due to a recent decree focused on national security and data protection issues.
Chad Regulates Starlink Satellite Internet Services
The Government of Chad has taken a significant step in regulating the use of Starlink satellite internet services within its borders. A decree, signed by the Ministry of Telecommunications, Digital Economy, and Digitalization of Administration, has been published in the Official Journal of the Republic of Chad.
The decree applies to all users of Starlink satellite internet services in Chad, including individuals, public institutions, and private companies. The Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) has been mandated to oversee the registration process and monitor compliance with the new regulations.
The registration process requires detailed documentation, including proof of identity, legal registration for organizations, fiscal numbers, and serial numbers of Starlink equipment. The equipment in question includes routers, modems, and satellite dishes.
ARCEP is also responsible for working alongside law enforcement agencies if necessary, to seize non-compliant Starlink equipment. Disputes that fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of criminal or administrative courts are not handled by ARCEP. Instead, they are referred to the public prosecutor.
The decree emphasizes user identification, data protection, and national security. User data, including connection logs and IP addresses, must be stored or made accessible locally to authorities for a minimum period of 24 months. Starlink must comply with Chad's national laws concerning security, environmental protection, and personal data.
The move aims to balance the benefits of satellite connectivity with national security and regulatory priorities. Non-compliance with the decree could lead to sanctions such as the suspension of operating authorization for up to 12 months or permanent withdrawal of licenses.
With this move, Chad becomes one of the few African countries to formally regulate Starlink. The decree establishes strict rules for the use of Starlink satellite internet services in Chad, marking a significant milestone in the country's digital transformation.
In cases of disputes relating to the acquisition or use of Starlink equipment, ARCEP serves as mediator and arbitrator. The competent authority for registering users and monitoring compliance with the new regulations is the national telecommunications regulatory agency or the relevant governmental telecommunications authority responsible for internet services oversight in Chad. However, specific agency names or detailed regulations were not found in the provided search results.
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