Lula Demands Musk Respect Brazil's Supreme Court as Tensions Escalate

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva insists that billionaire Elon Musk must comply with the rulings of Brazil's Supreme Court amidst a conflict threatening the status of social media giant X in the country. Musk's companies face scrutiny over legal representation, impacting services such as Starlink.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has made it clear that Elon Musk must abide by the rulings of the country's Supreme Court. This development comes amid a growing dispute that could see Musk's social media platform, X, face a potential shutdown in Brazil.

Despite the platform operating normally on Friday, X warned of an impending shutdown ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The conflict stems from X's failure to identify a legal representative in the country by the court-imposed deadline. Lula emphasized that all investors in Brazil, regardless of wealth, are subject to its laws.

The dispute has already led to the blocking of local bank accounts of Musk's Starlink satellite internet firm. While Musk has vowed to continue services, particularly for remote schools and hospitals, the Brazilian military has expressed concerns over potential operational disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)