BRASILIA: Brazil’s telecommunications regulator suspended access to Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, after the platform failed to meet a court-imposed deadline to appoint a legal representative in the country.
The decision stems from a long-standing feud between Musk and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been enforcing regulations against hate speech on social media. Musk criticized the move as censorship, arguing that the judge is trying to suppress free speech. He called X the “number one source of truth in Brazil” and accused Moraes of acting like a dictator. The suspension threatens X’s presence in one of its largest markets, adding pressure on Musk, who is already facing challenges with the platform’s advertising revenue.
Despite the ruling, X remained accessible late Friday, although some users reported being blocked. Brazilian telecom companies announced plans to block access from midnight on Saturday. Moraes has been a central figure in combating disinformation in Brazil, especially during the government of former President Jair Bolsonaro. His actions have included investigating fake news and conspiracy theories that Bolsonaro’s supporters spread, as well as freezing the accounts of Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, in Brazil.
Moraes ordered that X be suspended until it complies with court orders, including paying fines and appointing a local representative. He also mandated that those accessing X through VPNs be fined. Despite Musk’s objections, Moraes remains firm in his stance, defending his actions as necessary for protecting democracy and holding those who violate it accountable.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that all businesses must respect the law, regardless of their wealth. The conflict continues, with Musk maintaining that Starlink will continue to serve Brazilians until the issue is resolved.
