The Brazilian Supreme thus ordered internet providers to block access to X. By Sunday night, X was largely inaccessible throughout the country, reachable only through VPNs or Starlink, access to which users face severe penalties. Starlink also refused to follow the court’s order pending the release of its frozen assets.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Starlink’s bank accounts frozen to cover the $3 million in fines levied against X for ignoring his orders to block various accounts. The court denied a motion to lift the freeze on Starlink’s assets, citing Musk’s argument that SpaceX operates autonomously from X. Musk considered the asset freeze “illegal.”
Meanwhile, Starlink had promised to keep providing free internet to its 250,000 customers in Brazil despite blocked accounts. It could well be that Brazil revoked the license of Starlink for not changing its stance regarding X. In case Starlink continues operations, then officials could seize its equipment at 23 ground stations.
Finally, the Supreme Court panel ruled against rescinding the ban imposed on X and allowed X to appeal against the move. Apart from that, the court placed a seal on daily fines against VPN users who use X.
