Elon Musk’s X Suspended following a standoff over legal representation and allegations of spreading misinformation.
Sao Paulo – Brazil has begun blocking Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, making it mostly inaccessible across the web and mobile apps. This follows Musk’s refusal to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, escalating a months-long standoff between the billionaire and Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes.
The conflict centers around issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation. On Friday, de Moraes ordered the suspension of X, citing Musk’s disregard for Brazilian law as a significant threat to the country’s sovereignty.
Musk Defies Brazilian Court Orders
Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, instructed internet service providers to block access to X starting early Saturday. The order came after de Moraes warned Musk to comply within 24 hours, threatening to block the platform if a representative wasn’t appointed. Since earlier this month, X has lacked legal representation in Brazil.
De Moraes criticized Musk, stating, “Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country.” The justice ordered X to remain suspended until it complies, also imposing a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for anyone using VPNs to bypass the ban.
X’s Struggles in Brazil
Brazil, one of X’s largest markets, has about 40 million users on the platform. However, X has struggled with advertiser losses since Musk took over in 2022. The platform’s defiance of de Moraes’ orders, particularly regarding blocking users accused of undermining democracy, has only intensified tensions.
X had warned that it expected a shutdown, accusing de Moraes of censoring political opponents. The platform claimed its legal representative was threatened with imprisonment, leading to her resignation and the freezing of her bank accounts.
Starlink Also Targeted
In a related move, de Moraes froze the finances of Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, after X failed to cover mounting fines. Musk responded by promising to provide free internet in Brazil until the issue is resolved. However, legal experts questioned the decision to target Starlink, arguing that it’s not directly connected to X.
As the situation unfolds, many Brazilian users are seeking ways to continue accessing X through VPNs, despite the risks of fines. The legal battle underscores the broader conflict over free speech and judicial authority in Brazil, with implications for other tech platforms operating in the country
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