X May Face Ban In Brazil Over Legal Standoff
The platform is at risk of being shuttered in one of its largest markets after failing to appoint a legal representative in Brazil by a court-imposed deadline
Brazil’s Supreme Court is expected to order the shutdown of social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, as a heated legal dispute intensifies over compliance with local laws.
The platform is owned by billionaire Elon Musk and is at risk of being shuttered in one of its largest markets after failing to appoint a legal representative in Brazil by a court-imposed deadline. The deadline passed on Thursday evening, leaving the platform’s future in the country uncertain.
In response to the looming shutdown, Musk took to X to condemn Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, labeling him an “evil dictator” in a series of posts. Musk also criticised the recent court order freezing the bank accounts of his Starlink satellite internet firm, calling the ruling illegal and claiming it unfairly penalizes both shareholders and ordinary Brazilians. In a bid to counteract the court's actions, Musk announced that SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, would provide free internet services to Brazilian users until the issue is resolved.
The legal battle stems from X’s refusal to comply with orders from Judge Moraes to block certain accounts accused of spreading misinformation, particularly those supporting former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Musk has denounced these orders as censorship, sparking a conflict with Brazilian authorities that could cost X one of its most significant user bases. The Supreme Court has previously imposed fines on X for failing to comply with legal orders, leading to the current standoff.
