Brazil Blocks Elon Musk’s X Over Court Defiance in Disinformation Crackdown

Brazil has imposed a nationwide ban on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, after its owner, Elon Musk, refused to comply with Supreme Court orders to remove accounts accused of spreading disinformation. The ban was ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who cited the platform’s failure to appoint a new legal representative in Brazil and pay fines for previous violations.

The dispute began when Justice Moraes ordered X to suspend several accounts linked to supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro, accusing them of disseminating false information and undermining the country’s democratic processes. Despite repeated orders, X did not comply, leading to the platform’s suspension across Brazil.

Elon Musk condemned the ban, labeling it a violation of free speech by an “unelected pseudo-judge” acting for political motives. However, Justice Moraes maintained that the platform’s refusal to follow legal orders posed a significant threat to Brazilian democracy.

As the ban took effect, Brazil’s telecommunications agency began blocking access to X, with many users reporting they could no longer use the platform by Saturday morning. Justice Moraes also issued a stern warning that individuals attempting to bypass the ban using virtual private networks (VPNs) could face daily fines of up to R$50,000 (approximately £6,700).

This ban highlights the ongoing tension between global tech companies and national governments over the regulation of content on social media platforms. It is not the first time Brazil has taken such action; similar measures were previously enforced against other platforms like Telegram for failing to comply with local laws.

The ban on X will remain in effect until the platform adheres to the court’s demands, including appointing a legal representative in Brazil and settling the imposed fines. This development marks a significant challenge for Musk’s vision of X as a bastion of free speech, as it grapples with legal and regulatory pressures in various countries.