In a significant reversal, Elon Musk’s satellite internet company Starlink has announced it will comply with the Brazilian Supreme Court’s order to block access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil. This decision comes after Starlink initially refused to follow the court’s directive, citing the freezing of its assets in the country.Starlink stated, ‘Regardless of the illegal treatment given to Starlink in the freezing of our assets, we are complying with the order to block access to X in Brazil’. The company has initiated legal proceedings in the Brazilian Supreme Court, arguing that the order from Justice Alexandre de Moraes is ‘flagrantly illegal’.The conflict stems from X’s failure to comply with a series of judicial orders, including appointing a legal representative in Brazil and paying accumulated fines of approximately R$ 18.3 million ($3.6 million). The court’s decision to suspend X affects over 20 million users in Brazil.Despite Starlink’s compliance, Elon Musk continues to criticize Brazilian authorities, particularly Justice de Moraes. Musk has called de Moraes an ‘evil tyrant’ and suggested that Brazilian people should ‘topple the democratically elected government’. He has also been posting about ways to circumvent the restrictions using VPNs.The situation remains tense, with potential implications for Starlink’s estimated 250,000 subscribers in Brazil, particularly in remote areas where it is the only available internet option. The Brazilian telecommunications regulator, Anatel, had threatened to sanction Starlink and seize equipment from its 23 ground stations if it continued to disobey the court order.This development marks a new chapter in the ongoing dispute between Musk’s companies and Brazilian authorities, raising questions about the balance between national sovereignty, judicial power, and freedom of expression in the digital age.
Key points
- Starlink has agreed to comply with the Brazilian Supreme Court’s order to block X in Brazil, despite initial refusal.
- The company cites ‘flagrant illegality’ of the order, which froze its assets, but will comply while pursuing legal avenues.
- Elon Musk continues to criticize Brazilian authorities, escalating tensions and raising concerns about freedom of expression.
- The situation could affect Starlink’s 250,000 Brazilian subscribers, particularly in remote areas.
Contradictions👾While Starlink has officially announced compliance with the court order, Elon Musk is still encouraging users to circumvent the restrictions using VPNs, potentially undermining the effectiveness of the block.
