Brazil: Issued Supreme Court Decision Lifting Blocking of Starlink and X Accounts

On 13 September 2024, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) of Brazil ordered the unblocking of accounts of X Brasil Internet Ltda and Starlink Brazil Serviços de Internet Ltda after the transfer of a BRL18'350'000 fine. The penalty was set due to the companies' non-compliance with court orders, specifically X's failure to remove content during investigations and its removal of Brazilian legal representatives, which resulted in the platform's suspension. The court recognised the companies as part of a "de facto economic group," making them jointly liable for the fines. The companies failed to appeal a prior decision. On 12 September 2024, Citibank and Itaú Unibanco confirmed the transfer of the funds to the Union's account, following which the unblocking of the companies' bank accounts, assets, and properties was ordered.