Brazil warns Starlink of potential license revocation over X blocking refusal

Elon Musk's Starlink internet service has complied with a Brazilian Supreme Court order to block access to the social media platform X, which was banned for not having a local legal representative. Initially, Starlink resisted the order, leading to the freezing of its assets by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who argued that Starlink and X are part of the same economic group. The company stated it would comply with the order despite the asset freeze, while continuing to pursue legal avenues against the ruling. The Supreme Court's decision to block X was upheld unanimously, as the platform had failed to appoint a local representative necessary for legal notifications and actions. This situation arose amid tensions between X and Brazilian authorities, particularly concerning the platform's reluctance to block accounts of far-right activists accused of undermining democracy. Musk has claimed that the requirement for a local representative is a means for Brazilian authorities to exert control over X. Starlink's compliance came after the telecommunications regulator Anatel warned that continued disobedience could lead to the seizure of equipment from its ground stations, which are crucial for providing internet service. The fines for accessing X in Brazil are substantial, amounting to 50,000 reais, further complicating the situation for users. Musk had previously promised free internet access to Starlink users in Brazil following the asset freeze, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by the company. The ongoing legal battles and regulatory challenges illustrate the complex relationship between tech companies and government regulations in Brazil.