Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by SpaceX, made a decision to block the social network X in Brazil. This was done in order to avoid losing its license to operate in the country. The decision was made as a response to Brazil’s supreme court blocking X due to its failure to comply with court orders and pay fines.
X had refused to suspend accounts that posted content harmful to democratic institutions in Brazil, especially during a sensitive time as the country was preparing for municipal elections. The supreme court’s orders led to the freezing of Starlink’s financial assets in Brazil to ensure that X would pay its penalties. It was believed by the top justice in Brazil, Alexandre De Moraes, that Elon Musk’s two companies were working together to defy the court’s orders.
One particular takedown request was related to the account of Senator do Val, who was under investigation for possible involvement in plots against the government. X also failed to appoint a legal representative in Brazil as required by federal regulations. The situation raised concerns about the control of online speech and social networks by De Moraes, with critics arguing that he had gone too far.
The conflict between Musk and the Brazilian government has been escalating, with Musk likening De Moraes to infamous villains like Darth Vader and Voldemort. He has called for the impeachment of De Moraes, claiming that his orders amount to illegal censorship. Musk has also aligned himself with Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, promising retribution against De Moraes. The tension between Musk and the Brazilian government has been ongoing for months.
The decision to block X in Brazil has wide-reaching implications, not just for the social network but also for businesses like Starlink. As the situation continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how it will impact the relationships between SpaceX, Starlink, and the Brazilian government. Musk’s vocal criticism of De Moraes and the government’s actions sets a precedent for how tech companies deal with censorship and government interference in their operations.
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