Elon Musk’s Starlink: A Threat to Philippine National Security?

Should the Philippines Grant Elon Musk’s Starlink a Franchise?

A recent article in the Manila Times discussed the controversial issue of whether or not to grant Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, a legislative franchise in the Philippines. The article raises concerns about the potential security risks posed by Starlink, given Musk’s well-documented political views and China’s potential influence over his companies.

The article argues that Starlink could pose a threat to Philippine national security. Musk has a history of making politically charged statements, including advocating for the return of Taiwan to China. This has led some to worry that Starlink could be used to collect or manipulate data from Filipino users for China’s benefit. Additionally, China has provided significant financial support to Musk’s companies, including tax breaks. This close relationship between Musk and China raises further concerns about Starlink’s potential vulnerability to Chinese influence.

The decision of whether or not to grant Starlink a franchise is a complex one. On the one hand, Starlink could provide much-needed internet access to Filipinos in remote areas. On the other hand, the potential security risks posed by Starlink cannot be ignored.

In addition to the security concerns mentioned in the article, it is also worth noting that Elon Musk has a history of receiving tax breaks from China. In 2018, for example, Tesla was granted permission to build a factory in Shanghai, China, with a number of tax breaks and subsidies. This close financial relationship between Musk and China has led some to question whether Starlink can be trusted to operate in the Philippines without Chinese interference.

Overall, there are a number of valid objections to granting Starlink a franchise in the Philippines. The potential security risks posed by Starlink, given Musk’s political views and China’s influence, are a serious concern. The Philippine government should carefully consider these risks before making a decision on Starlink’s franchise application.

WPS.news

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Musk’s Starlink should be investigated, not given a franchise