The decision comes after Anatel confirmed receiving a note from Starlink, which has a significant customer base of more than 200,000 subscribers in Brazil, indicating its desire not to comply with the order until its local bank accounts are unfrozen. This followed an order by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, requiring all telecommunication companies in Brazil, including Starlink, to cease X’s operations as it lacks legal representation within the country.
Musk, who also owns X, criticized Moraes on account closure, describing him as a “dictator”. The conflict originated from some unpaid fines that were imposed on X for failing to provide documentation requested by the court.
On Monday, a five-member Supreme Court panel is set to meet to determine if Moraes’ ruling will be sustained. Legal analysts contacted by Reuters anticipate that the panel will probably uphold the decision, which could lead to an increase in tensions between Starlink and Brazilian authorities.
This has led to a controversial discussion on censorship, how much technology firms should adhere to government laws, and when Brazilian justice oversteps its boundaries.
While this is going on, people who use X, as well as those using the Starlink platform, are still in doubt regarding their access to both services.
