Starlink Defies Brazil Court Order Amid Social Media Dispute

Starlink, a satellite internet service provider controlled by Elon Musk, has refused to comply with a Brazilian court order to block the social media platform X until its local accounts are unfrozen. The situation stems from unpaid fines and a separate dispute involving the Supreme Court of Brazil.

Starlink, the satellite internet provider controlled by Elon Musk, has informed Brazil's telecom regulator Anatel that it will not comply with a court order to block the social media platform X in the country until its local accounts are unfrozen.

Anatel confirmed the information to Reuters on Monday, following a statement from its head Carlos Baigorri. Starlink, which serves over 200,000 customers in Brazil, had passed on a note to Brazil's top court. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes had ordered all telecom providers to shut down X, another Musk-owned company, for not having a legal representative in Brazil.

This decision also led to the freezing of Starlink's bank accounts in Brazil, prompted by unpaid fines due to X's failure to submit certain documents. Musk reacted strongly, labeling Moraes a 'dictator.' The Supreme Court is set to decide whether to uphold Moraes' ruling. Law experts consulted believe the decision will likely be confirmed.

(With inputs from agencies.)