{
  "id": 17751319,
  "title": "Når internett blir sikkerhets- og utenrikspolitikk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/nar-internett-blir-sikkerhets-og-utenrikspolitikk",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-02T05:02:19.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "E24 Norway",
    "slug": "e24-norway",
    "url": "https://e24.no/teknologi/i/Jr0ppP/er-norge-klare-for-aa-gjoere-seg-avhengig-av-elon-musk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The ongoing debate surrounding Europe's dependence on American technology extends beyond just satellites, big tech platforms, and AI. An essential aspect that is often overlooked is the infrastructure that enables internet connectivity. The DN newspaper has highlighted this concern, while NRK has managed to find three Norwegian academic experts who do not have a critical stance on the matter. The discussion must include Starlink, as we must consider the consequences of losing our internet to Elon Musk and SpaceX in the worst-case scenario.\n\nThe Norwegian government must not be accused of favoring its ailing mother, but the issue is far more significant. It is about more than just technology and the building of the world's largest satellite-based broadband network. It involves national security, geopolitics, total preparedness, and control. Over the past 30 years, Norwegian teleoperators have invested hundreds of billions in robust mobile and broadband infrastructure, creating numerous job opportunities and operating under strict requirements and regulations from authorities and frequency resource management. If an increasing portion of communication is transferred to a global satellite network controlled by a single private actor outside Norway, not subject to security laws and other stringent requirements, the question becomes clear: Who makes the decision when Norway's interests and the owner's no longer align?\n\nAnother dilemma revolves around jurisdiction and data. In Norway and Europe, a fundamental principle is that citizens and businesses must know how their data is processed and used. When this data ends up in the hands of the satellite operator, it raises significant questions about storage, use, access, jurisdiction, and compliance with regulations. Examining Starlink's website in Norway does not immediately convey that this is a top priority. This does not mean Starlink is insecure or does not comply with Norwegian law; instead, it highlights the need for authorities to address the same questions as those posed to other providers of societal critical infrastructure.\n\nWhile criticism of American legislation granting the US the right to inspect communications transmitted via US-owned networks is understandable, the discussion in the EU now centers on how to reduce dependence on non-European satellite systems. Norway participates in these discussions, and Zelenskyj calls for the same, given that satellite communication is considered crucial for resilience and societal security.\n\nUltimately, the debate revolves around strategic control and national autonomy. We should celebrate innovation and welcome all competition, but it requires common play rules. The discussion about Starlink does not focus on whether we are for or against internet from satellites. It is clear that technology will become an essential part of future solutions, be it in crises, extreme weather, natural disasters, or wars. Done correctly, low-orbit satellites should be an integral part of the global chain, and companies like Telia already use Starlink as a backup and to extend coverage in areas where they previously had limited reach. However, we should not ignore the historical precedence of private companies contributing to warfare throughout history. We urge relevant authorities, academia, and the security community to engage in a broader debate that goes beyond the purely commercial and competitive aspects. The increased dependency on SpaceX and Starlink could create strategic vulnerabilities, and Norway and Europe must find ways to reverse this trend. We do not want a future where our digital lives and communication as Norwegians are at the mercy of a single individual in the United States, who has not been selected by the Norwegian people. This should concern far more people than it appears to be at present.",
  "summary": "Satellittbredbånd kan styrke norsk beredskap, men også skape nye sårbarheter.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}