Imperial communication droids, also known as Imperial courier droids, were repurposed R4 astromech droids used by the Galactic Empire designed to carry information from one place to another, avoiding the use of networks. Courier droids wore the badge of the Imperial Press Corps, which allowed them access to top-secret information, and often featured unique markings to help differentiate them. After Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin ordered the destruction of Lothal's Imperial Communications Center, the Empire began using Imperial communication droids as a means to physically transport data to and from the planet's surface.