A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has ordered more than $3 million to be transferred from the X and Starlink accounts to cover penalties imposed on the social media platform. The decision by the justice system has raised concerns among some lawyers. Elon Musk's social media service has been struggling in Brazil for a long time.
Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the transfer of 7.2 million reais ($1.3 million) from the X account and almost 11 million reais ($2 million) from the system account Starlink to the state treasury – he informed Supreme Court. The accounts of both companies were then unblocked.
Some lawyers expressed doubts about de Moraes' earlier decision to block Starlink's account due to fines imposed on X. Both the social platform and the satellite internet system are owned by Musk but operate as two separate companies, the AP recalled.
“After the full amount of the debt was repaid, the judge found that there was no longer a need to maintain the blocking of the accounts and ordered the immediate unfreezing of the bank accounts and financial assets,” the court announced.
Portal X punished for fake news
Musk's social media site is struggling Brazil began when de Moraes demanded the removal of dozens of accounts suspected of spreading disinformation – including many linked to far-right supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro – and Musk made it clear he would not comply.
The same judge ordered X blockade in Brazil from August 31arguing that Musk has refused to appoint a legal representative for the company in that country, which is contrary to local law. According to the company, de Moraes wants to appoint a local representative so that he can use the threat of his arrest as a bargaining chip.
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