04-Sep-2024, 02:25 PM
Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider, Starlink, has announced that it will comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court order to block access to X (formerly known as Twitter) in the country. This reversal comes after the company initially resisted the order, citing concerns over the “illegal treatment” of freezing its assets in Brazil.
In a statement posted on X, Starlink acknowledged that it is adhering to the court’s directive “regardless of the unlawful treatment we have received regarding our assets.” The company stated that it has initiated legal action to contest the decision and seek the unfreezing of its assets, but will nonetheless block access to X in Brazil.
The conflict began when Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of X for refusing to name a local legal representative and comply with court orders to take down certain accounts. The judge also froze Starlink’s accounts, reasoning that the two companies are part of the same economic group, despite Musk’s assertion that they have different shareholder structures.
On September 2, a unanimous ruling by a panel of five Supreme Court judges upheld the ban on X, further reinforcing the need for compliance with Brazil’s legal requirements. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that it sends a clear message about the rule of law.
Starlink’s decision to comply with the order comes as a relief to its over 250,000 customers in Brazil, many of whom rely on the service in remote areas which is the sole practical choice for accessing high-speed internet.. The company’s presence has transformed communication in some communities, surpassing even major Amazonian cities in connectivity speed.
However, the conflict has also highlighted the broader challenges Musk’s companies face in navigating legal and regulatory requirements in different countries. Musk himself has been vocal in his criticism of Justice de Moraes, labeling him a “criminal” and calling for his impeachment.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Starlink and X will navigate the legal landscape in Brazil and the implications for their operations in the country. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance with local laws and the potential consequences of defying court orders, even for high-profile companies and individuals.
