According to ABC News, the ruling supports Justice Alexandre de Moraes' original order to suspend X's operations in Brazil until it complies with legal requirements and pays outstanding fines.

The decision, made by five of the court's eleven justices, reinforces the legal stance against X's refusal to name a local legal representative and comply with orders to block certain users. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Brazilian authorities and the social media platform over issues of free speech and content moderation.

Legal Basis And Implications Of The Ruling

The Supreme Court panel's unanimous decision strengthens the position of Justice de Moraes, who has been at the center of this controversy.

By upholding his original ruling, the court has effectively dismissed claims that de Moraes was acting unilaterally or outside his authority. The decision requires X to comply with Brazilian law by appointing a local legal representative and paying fines that exceeded $3 million as of last week.

In addition to blocking X, the court has imposed a daily fine of 50,000 reais (approximately $8,900) on individuals or companies using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the platform. This measure has sparked debate among legal experts, with Brazil's bar association expressing intention to request a review of this provision.

The panel's decision to uphold the VPN fine, with one justice opposing it unless users are shown to be using X for criminal activities, indicates the court's determination to enforce the block comprehensively.

Impact On X And Its Users In Brazil

Brazil represents one of the largest markets for X, with tens of millions of users. The nationwide block has left many Brazilian users feeling disconnected from global conversations and has prompted a mass migration to alternative platforms such as Bluesky and Threads.

The suspension of X in Brazil has created a significant disruption in the country's social media landscape. Users have reported feeling cut off from international discussions and news, highlighting the platform's importance as a global communication tool. This situation has led to a surge in new sign-ups for other social media services as Brazilians seek alternative ways to stay connected.

The block's impact extends beyond individual users, potentially affecting businesses and organizations that rely on X for communication and marketing strategies. This sudden change in the social media ecosystem could have ripple effects across various sectors of Brazilian society.

Elon Musk's Response And Ongoing Conflict

Elon Musk, the owner of X, has responded forcefully to the court's decision, accusing Justice de Moraes of violating Brazil's constitution. Musk stated, "He violated the constitution of Brazil repeatedly and egregiously, after swearing an oath to protect it."

This statement reflects the escalating tension between Musk and Brazilian authorities. Musk has also announced the creation of a new X account dedicated to publishing de Moraes' sealed decisions, claiming these will demonstrate violations of Brazilian law.

However, legal experts have countered Musk's claims, pointing out that de Moraes' actions have consistently received support from his peers on the court. The unanimous decision by the panel further undermines Musk's argument that de Moraes is acting alone or outside his authority.

Starlink's Involvement And Potential Consequences

The conflict has now expanded to include Starlink, Musk's satellite internet provider. De Moraes has frozen Starlink's Brazilian financial assets in an attempt to force compliance with X's fines. This move has been challenged by Starlink's legal team, who have appealed the asset freeze.

In a show of defiance, Starlink has informally communicated to Brazil's telecommunications regulator, Anatel, that it will not block access to X until its financial accounts are unfrozen. This stance sets up a potential showdown between Starlink and Brazilian authorities, with significant implications for the company's operations in the country.

Anatel board member Arthur Coimbra stated:

If I'm not mistaken, it was a WhatsApp message that the legal representative of Starlink sent to the president of Anatel, forwarding a message from the company in the United States.

This informal communication has prompted Anatel to conduct inspections and prepare a report for the Supreme Court. The regulatory body has indicated that non-compliance could lead to severe consequences, including the revocation of Starlink's license to operate in Brazil.

Conclusion

The Brazilian Supreme Court panel has unanimously upheld the decision to block X nationwide, reinforcing Justice de Moraes' original ruling. This decision requires X to comply with Brazilian law by appointing a local legal representative and paying outstanding fines. The conflict has expanded to include Starlink, Musk's satellite internet provider, which is now facing potential regulatory action. The situation continues to evolve, with significant implications for social media usage and internet access in Brazil.