In a notable shift, Starlink has announced it will comply with a Brazilian Supreme Court order to block access to the social media platform X, owned by Elon Musk. This reversal comes after Justice Alexandre de Moraes had previously frozen Starlink’s assets to compel the company to pay fines associated with X’s non-compliance.
Starlink’s decision, disclosed in a statement posted on X, follows a period of resistance. Initially, the company had informed Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, that it would not comply with the order until de Moraes reversed his stance. However, Starlink’s new statement emphasizes its commitment to comply despite what it calls “illegal treatment” and asset freezes. The company has vowed to pursue legal remedies while adhering to the court’s directive.
The conflict began when de Moraes froze Starlink’s accounts to enforce fines exceeding $3 million against X. This step was taken because Starlink and X are considered part of the same economic group. The Supreme Court later upheld the order to suspend X’s operations in Brazil after the company failed to appoint a local legal representative, which is necessary for handling court notifications and compliance issues.
The legal confrontation between Starlink, X, and Brazilian authorities has drawn significant attention. Critics of de Moraes’ actions argue that freezing Starlink’s assets may be legally questionable, given that SpaceX, Starlink’s parent company, operates independently of X. The situation escalated when Musk publicly criticized de Moraes, calling him a “criminal” and a “disgrace” on X.
Despite this, the decision to comply with the court order is seen as a relief for many Brazilian users who depend on Starlink for reliable internet access, especially in remote and underserved areas. Starlink has been instrumental in improving connectivity for over 250,000 customers across Brazil, including remote Indigenous communities.
However, the company’s presence in Brazil remains relatively modest. While Musk had previously touted a partnership with former President Jair Bolsonaro to expand Starlink to schools, this initiative never materialized beyond a trial period. As of March 2023, Starlink had captured only a 0.5% share of Brazil’s internet market, according to Anatel.
The ongoing dispute highlights the growing influence and controversial role of tech leaders in global politics. Marietje Schaake, international policy director at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center, noted that the clash between Musk and de Moraes underscores the increasing power and political impact of technology executives.
As the situation continues to unfold, the compliance with the court order marks a significant development in Starlink’s operations in Brazil, setting a precedent for how tech giants may navigate legal challenges in international markets.
