In a dramatic turn of events, a Brazilian Supreme Court judge has ordered the suspension of Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, in Brazil following a protracted standoff over the spread of disinformation. The ruling, handed down on Friday by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, demands the “immediate, complete, and comprehensive suspension” of X’s operations in the country. The judge instructed the national communications agency to enforce the order, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between the tech billionaire and the Brazilian judiciary.
Justice Moraes issued a stern warning to those attempting to circumvent the ban using technological means such as VPNs, imposing a fine of 50,000 reais (approximately $8,900) for violators. This crackdown is the latest chapter in a controversy that began when Moraes ordered the suspension of several X accounts linked to supporters of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. These accounts were accused of spreading false information to undermine the 2022 election results, which saw Bolsonaro defeated by current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The investigation into whether Bolsonaro had plotted a coup to prevent Lula from taking office in January 2023 has intensified the scrutiny on social media platforms like X. In April, Moraes ordered an investigation into Musk himself, alleging that he reactivated some of the banned accounts, thereby defying court orders. Musk’s platform responded by shutting down its offices in Brazil, citing “censorship” by the judiciary, though the service continued to be accessible to users.
“We have a right to defend fundamental rights. Those who violate democracy, who violate fundamental human rights, whether in person or through social media, must be held accountable,” Moraes asserted in a speech on Friday, seemingly directing his remarks at X.
The suspension of X will remain in place until the platform complies with all related court orders, including the payment of fines totaling 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) for previous noncompliance. Moraes also mandated the appointment of a new representative for X in Brazil, threatening further legal action if the company fails to do so. Additionally, the judge ordered the freezing of financial assets belonging to Musk’s satellite internet network, Starlink, which has seen rapid growth in Brazil.
Despite the judicial orders, Musk remained defiant, branding Justice Moraes an “evil dictator cosplaying as a judge” and accusing him of trying to “destroy democracy in Brazil.” Musk took to his platform to express his discontent, declaring, “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy, and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes.”
As X reportedly serves over 22 million users in Brazil, the suspension marks a significant challenge for Musk’s social media venture in one of its largest markets. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to clash over the role of social media in shaping democratic discourse in Brazil.
