In the midst of major protests in Iran, where authorities had previously banned internet access, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has activated his satellite-based Starlink service there.

In response to significant protests following the passing of Mahsa Amini, 22, while in police detention, the Iranian government reportedly turned off internet connection for thousands of its residents on Wednesday.

Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, said on Friday that Starlink would be made accessible in Iran.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken previously announced on Twitter that the US was promoting internet freedom and the free flow of information for the Iranian people by issuing a General License to give them greater access to digital communications in order to combat, what he claimed was the Iranian government's censorship.

Demonstrators have been protesting against strict dress codes, including the Hijab, and calling for basic freedoms to be guaranteed.

Mahsa Amini passed away following her detention by Iran's morality police, which sparked protests last weekend. After becoming a coma while being held in custody for allegedly breaking a legislation relating to hijabs, she passed away a few days later.

It is important to remember that senators from New York and New Jersey encouraged the US Treasury Department to give clearance earlier this week if SpaceX requested licencing authority to provide internet service in Iran.

According to Fox News, lawmakers, led by Tom Malinowski of New Jersey and Claudia Tenney of New York, reportedly submitted the request to the Treasury Department. Musk tweeted on Monday that SpaceX would ask for an exception to the country's sanctions, and that's when the letter appeared.

Starlink has already been used by SpaceX in emergency situations, including as the Ukraine following a Russian invasion and the Tonga islands in the South Pacific following a volcano eruption.