Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, has announced it will block access to social media platform X in Brazil as part of efforts to continue operating in the country without risking the loss of its license.
Starlink and X, formerly known as Twitter, are owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. Brazil's Supreme Court had recently ordered the suspension of X in the country after the platform defied multiple court orders.
This includes refusing to suspend accounts posting content the court alleged undermined democratic institutions. This legal battle comes at a critical time, with Brazil preparing for municipal elections in October.
The Legal Battle Between Musk and Brazil's Judiciary
Frozen Assets and Court Orders
The Brazilian Supreme Court's orders led to the freezing of Starlink's financial assets in the country as a measure to ensure X complied with paying fines for its refusal to moderate content.
Musk refused to appoint a legal representative for X in Brazil and comply with content takedown requests including one targeting Senator Marcos do Val. This has been a major sticking point in the dispute.
Do Val is currently under investigation for his alleged involvement in plots to stage a coup and sabotage Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has led the court’s rulings against X.
Justice de Moraes has spearheaded efforts to regulate social media content in Brazil. He has come under heavy criticism from free speech advocates and detractors. Musk has described him as a "criminal" and likened him to fictional villains like Darth Vader and Voldemort.
In compliance with the court's latest order, Starlink issued a statement confirming it would block access to X in Brazil to keep its satellite internet services running.
It said:
"The Starlink team is doing everything possible to keep you connected. "Regardless of the illegal treatment of Starlink in freezing our assets, we are complying with the order to block access to X in Brazil."
Musk has openly defied court rulings and characterized the situation as censorship. He has vowed to take legal action against the Brazilian government.
He recently warned of retaliatory measures, stating that unless the Brazilian government "returns the illegally seized property of X and SpaceX," he would seek reciprocal seizure of government assets.
Broader Implications for Brazil’s Telecommunications Sector
Starlink has an estimated 250,000 customers in Brazil. It competes with other satellite internet providers such as Hughesnet, Viasat, and Telebras.
The public clash between Musk and Brazil’s Supreme Court is further complicated by Brazil's status as a major non-NATO U.S. ally, with potential international implications.
In response to the suspension of X, an alternative platform, Bluesky, has gained popularity in Brazil, registering half a million new users in just two days.
Even Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has migrated to Bluesky. He directed his followers to his new account while publicly criticizing Musk’s defiance of Brazilian laws.
Political Fallout and Musk’s Escalating Rhetoric
Musk has made several inflammatory statements about Brazil's political leadership. This includes accusing President Lula of being controlled by Justice de Moraes.
In one recent post, Musk threatened retaliatory action if Brazil did not comply with his demands, even sarcastically suggesting Lula should "enjoy flying commercial."
Lula, in an interview, emphasized Brazil would not allow Musk to impose his "far-right free-for-all" on the country, despite his wealth and influence.
Lula's administration has also taken steps to curb Starlink’s influence in the Amazon rainforest. It is claimed the technology was being used by illegal miners.
As tensions escalate between Musk’s companies and Brazil’s legal system, the future of X and Starlink in the country remains uncertain.
