Starlink backtracks, bans X to comply with Brazil's order

Starlink backtracks, bans X to comply with Brazil's order
04 Sep 2024

Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, has announced its decision to block social network X in Brazil.

This move is a response to the recent actions of Brazil's Supreme Court, which had previously blocked X for defying court orders and not paying imposed fines.

The court had also frozen Starlink's financial assets in the country as a means of ensuring payment from X.

X's non-compliance led to Starlink's financial freeze
Legal complications

X had ignored requests to suspend accounts that were allegedly posting content harmful to Brazil's democratic institutions.

This defiance came at a time when the country is gearing up for municipal elections in October.

The Supreme Court's orders were specifically aimed at ensuring X pays its penalties, leading to a freeze on Starlink's financial assets in Brazil.

Starlink's response to asset freeze
Company statement

Starlink issued a statement on X.

The company said, "Following last week's order from @alexandre that froze Starlink's finances and prevents Starlink from conducting financial transactions in Brazil, we immediately initiated legal proceedings in the Brazilian Supreme Court explaining the gross illegality of this order and asking the Court to unfreeze our assets."

"Regardless of the illegal treatment of Starlink in freezing of our assets, we are complying with the order to block access to X in Brazil."

Musk's public feud with Brazilian administration intensifies
Ongoing dispute

Starlink's decision comes after Anatel, Brazil's telecommunications regulator, threatened sanctions against the company if it did not adhere.

Elon Musk, the owner of both SpaceX and X, has been involved in a public dispute with Brazil's current administration for several months.

He labeled Brazil's top justice Alexandre de Moraes as a "criminal," likening him to fictional villains like Darth Vader.

Musk also expressed support for Brazil's far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro while criticizing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.