A legal dispute in Brazil has escalated, with a Supreme Court judge ordering the freezing of Starlink's bank accounts amid ongoing tensions with X, the social media platform owned by Elon Musk. This development comes as Judge Alexandre de Moraes threatens to shut down X in the country, a move that has sparked controversy and raised questions about censorship and legal boundaries.
Tensions rise between Elon Musk and Brazil's Supreme Court
The conflict between Elon Musk and Judge Alexandre de Moraes has been intensifying for months. The issue's core lies in Judge de Moraes' demand for X to block certain accounts in Brazil. Musk, however, views these demands as an infringement on free speech, calling them “censorship orders.” The legal wrangling has reached a new peak, with X recently closing its operations in Brazil earlier this month in direct response to these court orders.
In what appears to be a new tactic, Judge de Moraes is now targeting Starlink, another company owned by Musk under SpaceX. The judge has linked Starlink to the penalties imposed on X, which the company claims are unconstitutional. Starlink has responded strongly, stating in a post on X, “This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied—unconstitutionally—against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally.”
Judge threatens to shut down X in Brazil
Judge de Moraes has also threatened a total shutdown of X in Brazil if the company does not appoint a legal representative in the country. On Wednesday, he set a compliance deadline, warning of severe consequences if X fails to meet the requirement. As of Thursday, after the deadline had passed, X indicated it expected the judge to proceed with the shutdown order soon.
In response, X released a statement published in both English and Portuguese, clarifying its position. “We are absolutely not insisting that other countries have the same free speech laws as the United States,” the statement read. “The fundamental issue at stake here is that Judge de Moraes demands we break Brazil's own laws. We simply won't do that.” The company further announced its intention to disclose what it referred to as “illegal demands and all related court filings” made by Judge de Moraes in the near future.
This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied—unconstitutionally—against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to…
— Starlink (@Starlink) August 29, 2024
What's next for X and Starlink in Brazil?
The ongoing feud between Elon Musk's companies and the Brazilian judiciary has significant implications. If Judge de Moraes follows through with his threat to shut down X, it could set a precedent for how international tech companies navigate legal disputes and censorship laws in different countries. Starlink's involvement adds another layer of complexity, broadening the dispute beyond social media into satellite internet services.
Soon, we expect Judge Alexandre de Moraes will order X to be shut down in Brazil – simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents. These enemies include a duly elected Senator and a 16-year-old girl, among others.
— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) August 29, 2024
When we attempted…
Musk and his companies have yet to indicate their next steps, but they are clearly preparing for a prolonged legal battle. As both sides dig in, the outcome could have far-reaching consequences for both X and Starlink and tech companies operating globally under varied legal systems.
