Brazils Supreme Court rejected Xs request to resume operations, conditioning the platforms return on payment of fines for disobeying judicial orders.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes maintained the ban on X in Brazil.De Moraes stated that Xs return depends on Starlink withdrawing its appeals against fund transfers to federal accounts.Both X and Starlink, a satellite internet company, are owned by Elon Musk.
The justice reaffirmed that X must pay 10 million reais (about $1.85 million) for its attempt to resume operations.Additionally, the court fined Xs legal representative, Rachel de Oliveira Villa Nova Conceio, 300,000 reais ($55,000).Brazil Court: X Must Pay Fines and Follow Laws to Resume Operations.
(Photo Internet reproduction)De Moraes emphasized that Xs return hinges on full compliance with Brazilian law and judicial decisions.The justice acknowledged that X had complied with some orders, such as blocking specific profiles.
However, he highlighted the platforms failure to pay imposed fines.
Villa Nova faced fines for repeatedly failing to remove certain profiles.De Moraes had previously ordered X to remove profiles of Bolsonaro supporters in Brazil.
He also fined the company for not having a responsible person in Brazilian territory.
Xs lawyers submitted requested documents and asked for the platforms unblocking.They also formalized Villa Nova as Xs representative in Brazil.
This change in Xs stance occurred after Starlink began experiencing operational issues due to the Supreme Courts decision to block its accounts.Key ConclusionsBrazils Supreme Court asserts regulatory control over foreign tech companies, enforcing local laws despite resistance from powerful corporations.The court perceives Xs non-compliance as a threat to democracy, framing it as an attack on Brazils legal system and efforts to combat disinformation.The courts actions ignite debate on free speech versus legal compliance, with critics arguing the measures infringe on free expression.Brazil Court: X Must Pay Fines and Follow Laws to Resume Operations