Starlink Flouts Brazilian Court Order to Block X

September 3, 2024
Posted by: Evans Asare

Starlink flouts Brazilian court order to block X. Elon Musk’s clash with Brazilian authorities has intensified dramatically. His satellite internet service, Starlink, has openly refused to comply with a court order to block X, the social media platform he owns.

Impact of the Blockade

Brazil, home to approximately 40 million active X users, faces significant disruptions due to the blockade. The suspension of X affects millions of Brazilian users, creating a substantial impact. Starlink, which provides internet to about 250,000 customers in Brazil, has informed Anatel, Brazil’s telecom regulator, that it will not comply with the blocking order until the court releases its frozen assets. This decision comes in response to Anatel’s directive, which has led to the suspension of X across the country.

Legal and Financial Ramifications

In reaction to Starlink’s refusal to comply, Justice Alexandre de Moraes has frozen the company’s assets in Brazil. This measure aims to enforce compliance with court orders and address over $3 million in fines imposed on X for non-compliance. Reports suggest that Anatel might seize Starlink’s equipment at its ground stations if Brazil’s Supreme Court decides to revoke its license.

Background of the Dispute

The conflict began when Brazil’s Supreme Court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, issued several orders against X. These orders mandated the suspension of certain accounts due to concerns about disinformation and hate speech. Musk’s response has been notably defiant: he ignored initial fines for non-compliance and obstructed Brazilian legal actions by terminating X employees in the country.

Escalation and Legal Threats

The situation worsened when the Supreme Court ordered a nationwide block of X to compel compliance with its directives. Musk’s company argued that efforts to defend themselves in court were met with threats of imprisonment for their Brazilian legal representative. Following her resignation, Judge de Moraes froze her bank accounts, and the company’s legal challenges were either dismissed or ignored.

Public Reaction and Alternative Platforms

In response to the block, Musk suggested that Brazilians use virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the restriction. However, users face daily fines of 50,000 reais if they attempt to evade the block. As a result, X users have increasingly turned to alternative platforms such as BlueSky and Threads, with BlueSky experiencing a surge in usage in Brazil.

The confrontation between Starlink and Brazilian authorities highlights a growing tension over digital access and legal compliance, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing saga.