Starlink Backs Down, Agrees to Block X in Brazil After Intense Government Pressure

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In a dramatic reversal, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service has agreed to comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court order to block access to X, formerly known as Twitter. The decision comes after months of legal disputes between Musk and Brazil’s top court, fueled by accusations of disinformation on X and an aggressive stance by Brazilian authorities.

Starlink’s initial refusal to comply with the order led to a freezing of the company’s assets in Brazil. The freeze, which Musk labeled “illegal,” was imposed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a Supreme Court judge known for his stringent measures against misinformation. Moraes had previously fined X over $3 million for failing to remove certain accounts and eventually ordered a nationwide block of the platform.

The conflict escalated when Starlink, despite the court’s orders, continued to provide access to X, defying the government and drawing threats from Brazil’s telecommunications agency, Anatel. The agency’s president, Carlos Baigorri, warned that Starlink’s operating license could be revoked, and ground equipment seized if the company did not comply. As of Sunday, X was largely unavailable in Brazil except through VPNs, which are now also subject to severe fines.

Brazil’s strict approach reflects its broader effort to crack down on misinformation, especially ahead of key political events. The country’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his administration have shown unwavering support for the court’s actions. Lula praised the decision as a signal that "wealth does not exempt individuals from accountability," underscoring the seriousness of the government's commitment to curbing disinformation​.

Initially, Musk’s defiance of the court orders appeared unwavering. He took to X to denounce Justice Moraes, calling him a “criminal” and suggesting retaliation against Brazilian government assets if Starlink’s holdings were not restored. However, the mounting pressure, both legal and financial, eventually forced Starlink to concede. In a statement posted on X, Starlink announced that despite the court’s "illegal" treatment of the company, it would comply with the block in order to protect its operations and the 250,000 Brazilian customers who depend on its service​.

Starlink’s compliance comes amid concerns that the block could extend beyond X. In rural and remote areas of Brazil, Starlink has been a lifeline for internet access, especially in regions like the Amazon. The company’s decision to comply may be a strategic move to avoid jeopardizing its broader business interests in the country.

Justice de Moraes has been central to the legal battles Musk faces in Brazil. Known for his firm stance against misinformation, de Moraes led the charge against X after the platform repeatedly failed to comply with orders to remove accounts that spread what the court deemed harmful content. Musk, who purchased X in 2022, has resisted these demands, claiming they infringe on free speech​.

The court's actions are part of a wider trend in Brazil toward tech censorship. This tension between tech giants and national governments is not unique to Brazil, but the country’s hardline approach has positioned it as a leading battleground effort to censor online.

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1 COMMENT

  1. China building bases there and Peru. Thank’s Obama, Bribem and Kamala! Thank’s for your “non existant” statesmanship. Maybe soon they will March up thru Panama, get on your Liberty Train and wear their uniforms. We’ve already had around 33,000 CCP in civilian clothing after tossing there I.D.’s. You don’t just take your passport and luggage in China and jump on an aircraft! The Country checks your plans. So going to Mexico and jumping the border? It’s pre-planned. When will we have the next 9-11?

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