The Brazilian Supreme Court has confiscated $3 million from Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, following a judge’s edict for the “immediate suspension” of the X social media app in Brazil. This punitive measure is in response to the app’s failure to settle fines tied to its neglect of Brazil’s censorship demands, including the lack of a designated legal representation within the nation as mandated by Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Moraes is punishing Starlink for the actions of X, a totally separate company.
The conflict between Moraes and Musk has escalated after the uppermost court in Brazil insisted on the disabling of certain X accounts, a demand largely viewed to target supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. In defiance of this, the offices of X were shuttered in Brazil instead of complying with the court’s directives. This led Moraes to impose the full and complete halt of X’s operations in the country until the company adheres to the court’s commands.
The directives comprise a fine of 18.5 million reais ($3.2 million) and the appointment of a duly authorized legal representative within Brazil’s territory. Following Moraes’ instructions, telecom regulator Anatel was tasked to enforce the suspension and to report its compliance within a day’s notice. To “ensure the settlement of fines,” Moraes authorized the impounding of Starlink’s local funds. […]
— Read More: reclaimthenet.org
