Starlink, the satellite internet service by Elon Musk's SpaceX, is said to be free for users in Iran after the government shut down the internet last Thursday. This blackout cut millions off from families and news amid a harsh crackdown on protests. Two Iranian users told BBC Persian their Starlink devices were still working without subscription payments on Tuesday night. A group aiding online access in Iran confirmed Starlink is now free. Although Starlink is illegal in Iran, tens of thousands rely on it as one of the last ways to contact the outside world. SpaceX has not yet confirmed this fee waiver. Using Starlink in Iran is risky and can lead to up to two years in jail. Authorities have been searching rooftops for Starlink dishes to stop connections. "They're going onto rooftops and checking the surrounding buildings," said Parsa, an Iranian user, via Starlink. "People need to be even more cautious." Starlink works like space mobile towers communicating with small ground dishes that provide WiFi. The devices cost a lot, so making them free may increase use. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Al Jazeera TV that the internet was cut after foreign orders fueled "terrorist operations." Official news linked restrictions to stopping violence organized on WhatsApp and Instagram. Human rights groups call the blackout a serious abuse of power. The UN said the shutdown hampers documenting human rights violations. One group reported over 2,400 protesters and nearly 150 security personnel killed during unrest. Due to the internet block, verifying events inside Iran is very difficult. Many are connected but few take risks sending information out, explains Parsa. A rights group says at least 50,000 use Starlink in Iran. Authorities try "aggressively jamming" Starlink but fail, so they confiscate devices. One man traveled 1,000 km to a border area to upload videos of protest deaths. Iran heavily spies on citizens digitally and blocks many Western social media platforms. Despite bans, Instagram has about 50 million users in Iran. Experts say the government controls the story by sharing selective info to weaken resistance, says Ana Diamond from Oxford. Despite dangers, Starlink is vital for many Iranians to show the real situation. "I'd rather not think about it [getting caught]. It can be very frightening," said Parsa. Iranian forces claimed to seize Starlink kits aimed at spying, but BBC Persian confirms many use them for uncensored communication. Parsa warns sharing videos from home risks government tracking users' locations.