Brazil’s telecommunications regulator announced the suspension of access to Elon Musk’s X social network in the country due to a court order from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The judge has been involved in a prolonged dispute with the billionaire investor over hate speech regulations on social media platforms. Musk has accused Moraes of unjustified censorship, while the judge maintains that there is a need for hate speech regulations. The failure of X to appoint a legal representative in Brazil by a court-imposed deadline led to the suspension of the popular social media platform.
The suspension of X in Brazil could result in the loss of one of its largest and most lucrative markets. This comes at a challenging time for Musk, as his platform has been struggling with advertising revenue. While X remained accessible in Brazil initially, telecommunications carriers announced plans to block access to the platform starting at midnight. The feud has also affected Starlink, a satellite internet provider owned by Musk’s SpaceX, with its bank accounts being frozen in Brazil.
Justice Moraes ordered the suspension of X in Brazil until the platform complies with all court orders, including the payment of fines exceeding $3 million and the appointment of a local representative as required by Brazilian law. He also directed the telecommunications regulator, Anatel, to enforce the suspension. To effectively close X in Brazil, telecommunication companies will have to stop carrying the network’s traffic and prevent users from circumventing the ban using VPNs. Those caught accessing X through VPNs could face hefty fines.
Initially, Apple and Google were instructed to remove X from their app stores and implement measures to prevent users from accessing the platform through VPNs. However, Justice Moraes later rescinded this part of his order, stating that it was unnecessary. Apple and Google declined to comment on the matter. The dispute over X has highlighted the broad powers of Brazil’s Supreme Court judges to make unilateral decisions, a practice that sets Brazil apart from many other countries.
Elon Musk, who owns X and a significant stake in SpaceX, has been vocal in his opposition to the court’s orders. He has accused Justice Moraes of being a dictator and criticized Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva as a lapdog for the judge. Musk has maintained that Starlink will continue to serve Brazil, including the military, for free until the situation is resolved. Despite his defiance, Musk faces legal challenges in complying with Brazilian regulations.
The suspension of X in Brazil underscores the complex interplay between tech companies, regulators, and judicial authorities. Elon Musk’s confrontation with the Brazilian legal system reflects broader debates about freedom of speech, censorship, and corporate responsibility in the digital age. As the dispute continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the power dynamics between tech billionaires, government institutions, and the rule of law in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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