SpaceX president Gwynne Shotwell has publicly condemned what she calls “harassment” by a Brazilian judge towards the company’s Starlink satellite internet service. The judge, who has not been named, has reportedly requested extensive information from SpaceX regarding its operations in Brazil, including user data and technical details.

Shotwell claims the judge’s demands are “unreasonable and overly broad,” arguing that they go beyond the scope of legitimate judicial inquiries and threaten Starlink’s ability to operate in Brazil. She also expressed concerns about the potential for data misuse and breach of privacy, asserting that SpaceX is committed to protecting user information.

This escalation follows an earlier dispute between SpaceX and the Brazilian government, which had attempted to restrict Starlink’s operation in the country. The company had initially been granted provisional authorization to operate, but the government subsequently requested further documentation and approval processes.

Shotwell’s public statement highlights the ongoing tension between governments and private space companies like SpaceX, as they seek to establish global networks and push the boundaries of communication technology. While regulatory frameworks for space-based services are still evolving, SpaceX maintains that it is committed to operating ethically and responsibly. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for future interactions between private space companies and national governments.