Elon Musk’s platform X remains banned in Brazil, despite the country’s decision to withdraw $3.3 million from the bank accounts associated with both X and Starlink to cover fines. This situation arises from Musk’s failure to comply with directives from Brazil’s Supreme Court amid ongoing disputes with Justice Alexandre de Moraes over content moderation on the platform.
On Friday, social media buzzed with news that Musk’s companies had settled the $3.3 million fine, leading to speculation that the Brazilian court would lift the “blockage” on Starlink and X. However, confusion ensued as it became clear that only the blockage on the companies’ bank accounts had been lifted, with the overarching ban on the platform itself still in effect, as reported by various sources.
It is important to note that Musk’s companies did not proactively pay the fine. Instead, the Brazilian court mandated the transfer of these funds to satisfy the fines imposed.
Last month, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes enforced the ban on X after Musk declined to remove accounts that allegedly violated Brazilian laws. In response to the court’s demands, Musk withdrew X’s representatives from Brazil and failed to appoint a new legal representative, which was one of the court’s requirements.
