The panel unanimously voted in favor of shutting down the platform. While X can still appeal the decision after the hearing, the platform has been suspended since late Friday following an order by Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
Justice Moraes has positioned himself as a key figure in the fight against fake news and hate speech in Brazil. However, his actions have sparked controversy, with critics accusing him of overstepping Brazilian law and undermining free speech.
Moraes issued the ban after Musk defied several of his prior mandates and refused to appoint a legal representative for X in Brazil.
Musk’s legal team has condemned the ruling, labeling Justice Moraes as a “dictator” who should be impeached for violating freedom of speech.
Brazil Freezes X Bank Accounts
The court’s actions didn’t stop at banning X. The judge also froze the Starlink’s bank accounts in Brazil in an attempt to prevent processing any financial transactions.
In response, Starlink posted on X, stating, “This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied – unconstitutionally – against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally… We are proud of the impact Starlink is making in communities across the country, and the Starlink team is doing everything possible to ensure their service is not interrupted.”
