Hi Walid,
What is the difference? --> I'll give a couple of examples, so you can see the sort of context where we find these 2 structures...
It is started -- This is the present simple passive. So, somebody (or something) must do the starting. It is describing what happens in general.
e.g. - First the runners all get in position for the race. Then it is started by the coach when he blows his whistle. (The coach does the starting/the race is started by the coach.)
- I used to use a key to start my old car, but for my new one, I don't need one! It is started by pressing a button next to the steering wheel. (I do the starting/ the starting is done by me.)
It started - - This is the past simple tense (or simple past...). This tense is used to describe the past. It is "active" (not passive).
e.g. - We have been in lockdown for 3 months now in my country. It started on 23rd March.
- I didn't watch the film on TV last night. It started too late.