CHANGE LANGUAGE

Palazzo Chigi denies agreements with SpaceX: clarifications on the Starlink system

The Italian government denies contracts with SpaceX and responds to the controversy over the use of Starlink technology, fueling a heated political debate.

Palazzo Chigi denies agreements with SpaceX: clarifications on the Starlink system.

Palazzo Chigi: No agreement with SpaceX

The Italian Prime Minister's Office has categorically denied the signing of contracts or agreements between the Italian Government and SpaceX for the use of the Starlink satellite communications system. In an official statement, Palazzo Chigi clarified that the discussions with SpaceX fall exclusively within the scope of the technical investigations that the State apparatus conducts with various companies, especially those that offer secure connection solutions and encrypted data communication.

Furthermore, the Presidency of the Council defined as “ridiculous” the hypothesis that the SpaceX topic was discussed during a meeting with former US President Donald Trump. This clarification comes in response to speculation and rumors that have raised a heated political debate.

The opposition to the attack

The opposition, however, is not satisfied with official denials. The secretary of the Democratic Party, Elly Schlein, has asked Giorgia Meloni and her government to immediately report to Parliament on the alleged negotiations with Elon Musk. "Don't think you can get away with a few lines entrusted to press agencies and friendly newspapers. If 1,5 billion euros of Italian money must be spent to bring the American billionaire's satellites to our country, we are not in favor. Italy is not selling out," Schlein declared.

Giuseppe Conte, leader of the Five Star Movement, also harshly attacked the executive. “Are the ‘patriots’ in government putting our national security in the hands of Musk for the modest sum of 5 billion in public funds? We demand immediate transparency in front of Parliament. Decisions involving cybersecurity, protection of personal data and the quality of democratic processes cannot be made based on personal relationships between the Prime Minister and one of the aspiring masters of the world,” Conte wrote on social media.

Elon Musk and Starlink's Reassurances

Meanwhile, Elon Musk responded to the controversy with a post on X (formerly Twitter): “Ready to provide Italy with the safest and most advanced connectivity!”. In support of Musk's statements, Andrea Stroppa, SpaceX representative in Italy, published a detailed “vademecum” on the Starlink system, with the aim of reassuring the public and dispel doubts about the technological and political implications.

Starlink's security guarantees

The handbook addresses several issues raised in the public debate. According to Stroppa, Starlink uses the most advanced encryption protocols, modulates frequency complexity, and adopts a dynamic satellite system to resist attacks. “There are no public reports of sabotage of low-orbit satellite networks, while sabotage of submarine cables has caused enormous damage,” Stroppa wrote, citing as an example Ukraine, which has increased the use of Starlink since the start of the war.

Data sovereignty and control

Another crucial point concerns data sovereignty. Stroppa assured that there are configurations that allow full control of data by Italian authorities, both technically and legally. He also highlighted how American technology is already widely used in Europe, citing Microsoft, iOS, Google and Oracle as examples of communication systems already adopted.

Comparison with the European system

On the European alternatives front, Stroppa reiterated that there is currently no system comparable to Starlink. The IRIS2 project, promoted by the European Union, foresees an investment of over 10 billion euros for a system that should be operational no earlier than 2030, with only 270 satellites. On the contrary, SpaceX already has over 7.000 active satellites and is launching a new generation of even more advanced devices.

The answer to personal criticism

Finally, Stroppa responded to criticisms aimed directly at Musk: “We collaborate with the Pentagon, NATO governments, NASA, ESA and over 110 countries around the world.

The Starlink issue raises significant questions, from the implications on technological sovereignty and national security to the management of public resources. While the Italian government continues to deny official negotiations, the political debate heats up, with the opposition demanding clarity and transparency. It remains to be seen whether Palazzo Chigi will decide to address the issue in Parliament, providing further details on the alleged discussions with Elon Musk and SpaceX.

Giorgia Meloni e Elon Musk

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