Tue Sep 03 06:26:03 UTC 2024: – Brazilian Supreme Court upholds decision to block Elon Musk’s social media platform X nationwide
– Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the platform blocked for not naming a local legal representative
– X clashed with de Moraes over blocking users and alleged motives for having a legal representative in Brazil
– Fine of 50,000 reais imposed for using VPNs to access X, majority of panel upholds the fine
– Musk and de Moraes in feud over free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation
– Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet provider, refusing to enforce the decision to block X
– De Moraes froze Starlink’s assets to cover X’s fines, legal experts question the basis of this move
– Starlink informally told Anatel it will not block X access until financial accounts are unfrozen
– Anatel conducting inspections and may revoke Starlink’s license if non-compliance continues
– Musk’s arguments find support among Brazil’s political right, who see de Moraes’ actions as political persecution against Bolsonaro’s supporters
– De Moraes also investigating Musk for dissemination of fake news and obstruction allegations
– Bolsonaro under investigation by de Moraes for inciting an attempted coup to overturn election results.

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