Starlink to block social media platform X in Brazil after court order
Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX and led by Elon Musk, announced it will comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court order to block access to the social media platform X within the country.
This decision comes after a legal dispute regarding the naming of a legal representative for X's operations in Brazil.
On September 3, Starlink criticised the court's decision as "illegal" in a post on X, particularly targeting Alexandre de Moraes, one of Brazil's Supreme Court justices.
Moraes had ordered the suspension of X on August 30, following Musk’s refusal to appoint a legal representative for the platform.
A panel of five justices later upheld this decision.
Despite considering the treatment of Starlink "illegal," the company stated, "We are complying with the order to block access to X in Brazil," while continuing to seek legal avenues to challenge the decision.
The court order to suspend X stems from an investigation led by Justice Moraes into alleged misinformation circulated on the platform concerning former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.
As per the ruling, X will remain blocked until it pays over $3 million in fines related to the issue.
Starlink, in response, has initiated legal proceedings to contest the asset freeze imposed by the court.
The company asserts that the actions taken by Justice Moraes violate the Brazilian constitution and is pursuing all available legal options.
The court's move has drawn widespread criticism from X users, who see it as an infringement on free speech.
Some Brazil-based users reported they were still able to access the platform through virtual private networks (VPNs).
However, circumventing the blockade using VPNs could result in fines of up to 50,000 reais (approximately $8,900), as per Moraes’ order.
The suspension of X in Brazil adds to the ongoing debate over digital censorship, freedom of expression, and regulatory oversight of social media platforms in the country.
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