Brazil releases Starlink and X bank accounts after ordering payment of $3 million fine in legal dispute with Musk

Independent journalist Michael Shellenberger discusses in “The Bottom Line” how the events in Brazil involving Elon Musk and X (formerly Twitter) serve as a warning for what could happen in the United States.

The chief judge of Brazil’s Supreme Court on Friday unfrozen the bank accounts of Elon Musk’s satellite internet service provider Starlink and his social media platform X after accepting fines of more than $3 million imposed by the South American country.

The move came after Judge Alexandre de Moraes confirmed a ban on X in the country earlier this month.

The court imposed the temporary ban in late August after Musk failed to name a legal representative within the deadline in a case that had taken place months ago. In that case, the country had demanded the blocking of some social media platforms, including X, that were involved in investigations into so-called digital militias accused of spreading misinformation and hate.

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The chief judge of Brazil’s Supreme Court on Friday unblocked the accounts of Elon Musk’s Starlink and X after accepting $3 million in fines imposed by the country. (Reuters/Jorge Silva/File photo / Reuters)

The court announced on Friday that the X ban in the district will remain in place until a legal representative is appointed.

Musk has repeatedly attacked de Moraes through his account “X,” saying that “he should be impeached for violating his oath of office” and that “it’s only a matter of time before this criminal is behind bars.” He also called him a “dictator.”

Elon Musk says Brazilian judge should go to jail after recent attack after X ban in country upheld

In his ruling, Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the complete and immediate suspension of X from the country until all related court orders concerning X were complied with, including the payment of the fine and the appointment of a lawyer. (Tone Molina/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

He previously wrote: “X is the most used news source in Brazil. It is what the people want. Now the tyrant de Voldemort is crushing people’s right to freedom of expression.”

In the decision, de Moraes ordered the complete and immediate suspension of X from the country until all related court orders concerning X were complied with, including payment of the fine and appointment of a legal representative in Brazil.