Elon Musk launches Starlink app in Brazil from space
- Brazil's Supreme Court upheld a ban on X due to non-compliance with a court order.
- Starlink, with over 250,000 customers in Brazil, has had its bank accounts frozen for not complying with the ruling.
- Musk plans to provide free internet access to Brazilian customers while challenging the court's decision.
Elon Musk has circumvented a recent ban on his social media platform X in Brazil by enabling access through his satellite internet service, Starlink. The Brazilian Supreme Court upheld the ban after X failed to comply with a court order to appoint a new legal representative in the country. Musk criticized the ruling, labeling the judge as a 'dictator' and asserting that the decision infringes on freedom of speech. Starlink, which has over 250,000 customers in Brazil, has not adhered to the court's order, leading to the freezing of its bank accounts in the country. This action has hindered the company’s ability to process financial transactions. Starlink publicly stated that the court's order was unconstitutional and issued without due process, and they plan to challenge it legally. Despite the financial restrictions, Musk has committed to providing free internet access to Brazilian customers while the accounts remain frozen. The court ruling imposes significant penalties on users accessing X through Starlink or VPNs, with fines reaching up to 50,000 reais. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between Musk's companies and Brazilian authorities, as well as the broader implications for internet freedom and access in the country. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how social media platforms operate in regions with strict regulatory environments.