Brazil unlocks Elon Musk's X, Starlink following payment of fines worth $3.31mn
X logo and Elon Musk (File photo)
Brazil on Friday (Sep 13) lifted bans imposed on Elon Musk's X and Starlink after the companies paid a total of 18.35 million reais ($3.31 million) in fines to the Brazilian authorities.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes passed an order to lift the blockages, which had been imposed amidst a spat between the Americanbillionaire and the Brazilian top court.
X was banned last month in the South American country, whileJustice Moraes set a staggering $9,000 daily fine for anyone violating the ban using a VPN.
Musk's social media platformremains immensely popular in Brazil, with over 22 million users. On the contrary, just one-sixth of that number are active on Instagram and one-fifth on Facebook or TikTok.
Feud between X andMoraes
X, owned byMusk, last month claimed its representative in Brazilwas threatened by the Supreme Court judge with legal action if it did not comply with legal orders to take down some content.
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"Moraes has chosen to threaten our staff in Brazil rather than respect the law or due process," X's Global Government Affairs account posted.
"As a result, to protect the safety of our staff, we have made the decision to close our operation in Brazil, effective immediately," the statement added.
Also read:Elon Musk's X to end operations in Brazil 'effective immediately' following spat with judge
Earlier this year,Moraes ordered X to take down accounts accused of posting fake news and spreading hatredduring the regime of formerPresident Jair Bolsonaro.
Musk called the order "unconstitutional,"and moved to unblock the previously-banned accounts. Following this,Moraes ordered an inquiry into the Americanbillionaire.
(With inputs from agencies)