Compliance Under Coercion: Musk’s Starlink Bows to Brazilian Court Order, Blocking Access to X Despite Frozen Assets

Elon Musk's Starlink is set to prevent X from operating in Brazil, a move contrary to its initial disregard of a judge's directive. This decision comes after the court put a halt on the company's assets. The internet service provided by satellites, Starlink, which is a part of Musk's SpaceX, is preparing to adhere to the court's decision following the freezing of its assets.

Starlink confirmed in an announcement published on X that it will respect Judge Alexandre de Moraes' verdict, regardless of his decision to freeze the firm's assets. Earlier, Starlink had unofficially communicated to the telecom regulatory body that it would not adhere to the order unless de Moraes changed his stance.

"Despite the unlawful handling of Starlink by seizing our assets, we are adhering to the directive to restrict access to X in Brazil," stated the company. "We persist in exploring all lawful paths, alongside others who concur that @alexandre's latest mandate infringes the Brazilian constitution."

Last week, De Moraes put a hold on Starlink's accounts in an attempt to force it to pay X's penalties, which have already surpassed $3 million. He justified this by stating that both companies belong to the same financial conglomerate. Starlink contested this action, according to its legal representative, Veirano, who informed the Associated Press on August 30. However, Starlink has since refrained from making any additional comments.