Starlink now blocks X in Brazil after all
Starlink is now complying with the order of the Brazilian Supreme Court and blocking X. At the same time, the company is seeking legal recourse.
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Elon Musk's satellite communications network Starlink is now complying with the order of Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes to block Musk's short messaging service X in Brazil. Starlink had previously defied the judge's order.
In a message on X, Starlink announced that it would do everything in its power to enable customers to access X again once the blockade had begun – even if Starlink customers would probably not be able to read this message due to the blockade.
According to court orders, X should have closed several user accounts for spreading false information, but refused to do so. Elon Musk's short message service in Brazil also ignored fines that were imposed. Musk closed X's Brazilian office in mid-August and dismissed the employees to protect them from criminal prosecution.
The matter went before the Brazilian Supreme Court. Federal judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the closure of X in Brazil – also because there was no longer any local representation in the country, which is a violation of applicable law. At the same time, de Moraes froze Starlink's accounts to prevent financial transactions and thus force X to pay a fine of 3 million US dollars for not blocking the user accounts in question.
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U-turn with a request for legal action
Starlink has now sought legal action against this decision before the Brazilian Supreme Court. According to Starlink, the court's order is a "gross violation of the law". Despite the freezing of its assets, Starlink intends to comply with the Federal Court's order and block X via Starlink. Previously, Starlink had been combative over the weekend and refused to implement the order. Starlink is now seeking legal recourse to override the injunction.
Elon Musk owns both Starlink and X. The blocking of X also affects other Brazilian communication providers. A panel of the Brazilian Supreme Court confirmed de Moraes' order on Monday. Internet providers and app stores that distribute X must now implement the blockade by September 4.
(olb)
