Elon Musk has provided an alternative way to access the microblogging app X in Brazil despite the ban on the platform by the Brazilian government, News About Nigeria reports.
Musk was able to bypass a ban on his social media firm X in Brazil by allowing people in the country to access the app through his satellite internet provider Starlink.
Recall that Brazil’s Supreme Court on Monday voted to uphold a ban on X that was introduced last week by Justice Alexandre de Moraes after the company failed to follow a court order to appoint a new legal representative in the country.
The new law forces internet service providers in the country to implement an “immediate, complete, and comprehensive” ban on X, or face legal and financial ramifications.
Musk, however, criticised the ruling, claiming that Judge Moraes was a “dictator” who should be impeached for violating freedom of speech.
He claimed the freezing of Starlink bank accounts was illegal and pledged to provide free internet access to its Brazilian customers while the accounts remain blocked.
He stated, “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.”
Starlink, which is controlled by Musk’s other company, SpaceX, has more than 250,000 customers in Brazil, who access the broadband network through satellite receivers.
Starlink has not complied with the court order, resulting in the network’s bank accounts in Brazil being frozen, preventing the company from processing financial transactions.
