Brazil has started blocking Elon Musk’s social media platform X after the company refused to comply with a judge’s order to name a legal representative in the country. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes warned Musk that X could be blocked if he didn’t comply, and when the company missed the deadline, the platform was suspended. The telecommunications regulator, Anatel, instructed internet service providers to block access to X, both on the web and through its mobile app.
De Moraes accused Musk of showing disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and the judiciary by not complying with the order, and described him as a “supranational entity” immune to the laws of each country. The justice set a daily fine for individuals or companies using VPNs to access X and stated that the platform will remain suspended until it complies with his orders. Initially, he also directed internet service providers to block access to X within 5 days and for app stores to remove VPNs, but later backtracked on this decision.
The dispute between Musk and de Moraes has been ongoing for months, revolving around issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation on the platform. This conflict has also led to the freezing of the bank accounts in Brazil of Musk’s satellite internet provider Starlink. Brazil is one of the largest markets for X, which has faced challenges in retaining advertisers since Musk acquired the platform from Twitter in 2022.
The blocking of X in Brazil has significant implications for both the platform and its users in the country. The move has raised concerns about freedom of speech and access to information, as well as the power dynamics between a global tech billionaire like Musk and the Brazilian judiciary. The situation highlights the complexities of regulating social media platforms in a globalized world, where different countries have varying laws and regulations regarding digital communication.
As the suspension of X continues in Brazil, the situation remains fluid and uncertain. It is unclear how long the platform will remain blocked and what steps Musk and his company will take to address the situation. The conflict between Musk and de Moraes underscores the challenges faced by tech companies operating in multiple countries, where they must navigate a complex web of legal and regulatory frameworks to ensure compliance and maintain their operations.
