Elon Musk’s satellite-based internet service provider, Starlink, has agreed to comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court justice’s order to block the billionaire’s social media platform, X. Despite having its assets frozen by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, Starlink publicly announced its decision to adhere to the order, which previously it had indicated it would not do until the justice reversed his directive.
In a statement posted on X, Starlink stated that despite the freezing of its assets, it would block access to X in Brazil as per the court order. The company is actively pursuing legal avenues, along with others who believe that Justice de Moraes’ recent orders violate the Brazilian constitution.
The legal dispute arose when Justice de Moraes froze Starlink’s accounts in an attempt to force the company to cover fines imposed on X, which exceeded $3 million. Starlink has filed an appeal through its law firm but has refrained from providing further comments. The justice’s decision to suspend X was upheld by a Supreme Court panel, dismissing claims that de Moraes was censoring political speech.
Failure to comply with the court order would have resulted in telecommunications regulator Anatel taking action against Starlink. An Anatel board member stated that equipment from Starlink’s 23 ground stations could have been seized to ensure compliance. Legal experts have questioned the basis for freezing Starlink’s accounts as its parent company, SpaceX, has no integration with X.
Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and a prominent figure behind Starlink, has publicly criticized de Moraes and accused him of being a criminal. Despite Musk’s outspokenness, Starlink’s decision to comply with the court order has been seen as a relief by many in Brazil who rely on the company for internet services, particularly in remote areas lacking fast internet access.
Starlink’s presence in Brazil has made a significant impact, improving connectivity in remote communities and aiding initiatives like the Forest People Connection project, which provides telemedicine consults and reliable communication in isolated regions. However, challenges remain, as illegal activities like gold mining have been facilitated by improved internet access in these areas.
Although Starlink has made strides in Brazil since its launch in 2022, it still holds a small share of the internet market compared to leading providers, according to Anatel. While Musk’s recent interactions with Brazilian authorities have garnered attention, the tech leader’s actions have amplified his standing among supporters.
The clash between Musk and Brazilian authorities underscores the growing power and influence of tech leaders like Musk in global affairs. The ongoing legal battle in Brazil highlights the need for greater accountability and regulation of tech companies worldwide.
