BRASILIA (Reuters) – Following a prolonged dispute between Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Elon Musk, a court order has been issued to shut down Musk’s social media platform X in Brazil. This action comes after Musk failed to comply with a previous order to appoint a legal representative in the country.
WHAT IS THE CONFLICT ABOUT?
The feud between Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Musk escalated when X, previously known as Twitter, refused to block certain accounts accused of spreading “fake news” and hate messages as directed by legal orders. X alleged that Moraes threatened to arrest one of the company’s legal representatives in Brazil if they did not comply. In response, Musk’s platform closed all Brazil offices citing “censorship” by the judge, although the service remained accessible to users in the country.
WHEN WILL THAT TAKE EFFECT?
Moraes has ordered an immediate shutdown of the social media giant in Brazil. The process of shutting down the messaging platform may take hours or days as Anatel needs to coordinate with telecommunication carriers to halt X traffic. Additionally, Moraes froze the financial assets of Musk’s Starlink by blocking the accounts of the satellite internet network, which has garnered a large user base in Brazil. This move aims to cover unpaid fines of 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) that X had incurred for disregarding court orders. Musk labeled Moraes a “dictator” in a post responding to reports of Starlink account blocks.
HOW WILL PLATFORM X BE SHUT DOWN?
According to Brazilian internet regulations, social media platforms must have a representative based in the country. Companies failing to comply with Brazilian laws can face temporary suspension of their operations. Anatel has initiated the process of instructing carriers to block X. While users may attempt to bypass the block using VPNs, Moraes warned that individuals or companies trying to access the platform through such means could be fined up to 50,000 reais ($8,909) per day.
WHAT IS THE POSSIBLE IMPACT?
X is extensively utilized in Brazil, particularly by politicians to communicate their views and criticisms. The impending local municipal elections in October, determining mayors for 5,568 towns and cities, make the platform crucial for political communication.
RIGHT-LEFT DIVIDE ON THE ISSUE?
Opinions regarding the clash between Moraes and Musk are split. Some X users echo Musk’s criticism of the judge’s decisions, alleging an infringement on freedom of speech in Brazil. Conversely, others support Moraes’ stance that Musk should adhere to Brazilian laws.
Supporters of former hard-right President Jair Bolsonaro view Musk as an ally in opposing Moraes’ investigations into alleged digital militias spreading “fake news” and hate messages during Bolsonaro’s presidency from 2019 to 2022.
($1 = 5.6121 reais)