Brazil blocks Musk’s X amid ongoing legal clash
Supreme Court ruling demands X complies with legal requirements in Brazil
A Brazilian Supreme Court panel upheld the decision to block Elon Musk’s social media platform X across the country on Monday. The unanimous ruling by five of the 11 justices, including Justice Alexandre de Moraes, mandates the suspension of X until it complies with legal requirements, including naming a local legal representative and paying fines exceeding $3 million.
Justice de Moraes had ordered the platform’s block last Friday due to its refusal to appoint a local representative as mandated by law. This move has sparked significant tension between Musk and de Moraes, with Musk accusing the justice of violating Brazil’s constitution.
De Moraes also imposed a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for those using VPNs to access X, a decision questioned by several legal experts and Brazil’s bar association.
Brazil, a major market for X with millions of users, experienced a migration to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads over the weekend. The block represents an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Musk and de Moraes, focusing on issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation.
Musk’s satellite internet provider Starlink has also clashed with de Moraes, refusing to enforce the block. In response, de Moraes froze Starlink’s Brazilian financial assets to cover X’s fines.
Starlink, with over 250,000 clients in Brazil, has appealed this decision and informed the telecommunications regulator Anatel that it would not block X until its accounts were unfrozen. Anatel’s President Carlos Baigorri indicated that the maximum penalty could be the revocation of Starlink’s license, which could lead to a shutdown of its services.
Musk’s stance has garnered support from Brazil’s political right, including former President Jair Bolsonaro’s allies, who see de Moraes’ actions as political persecution.
X has previously shut down accounts of Bolsonaro’s supporters and far-right activists under Brazilian orders. Bolsonaro himself is under investigation by de Moraes for allegedly inciting an attempted coup following his loss in the 2022 election.
What Other Media Are Saying
- KETV NewsWatch 7 reports that the Brazilian Supreme Court panel has unanimously upheld the decision to block Elon Musk’s social media platform X nationwide, dealing a significant blow to Musk and his supporters. (read more)
- Los Angeles Times reports that a Brazilian Supreme Court panel unanimously upheld a judge’s decision to block X nationwide, citing non-compliance with legal requirements and imposing fines. (read more)
- Time reports on the Brazilian Supreme Court’s unanimous decision to block Elon Musk’s social media platform X nationwide, upholding a judge’s orders related to legal representation and fines. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was Elon Musk’s platform X blocked in Brazil?
The platform was blocked for refusing to name a local legal representative as required by Brazilian law.
What fines has X accumulated in Brazil?
X has accumulated fines exceeding $3 million for non-compliance with Brazilian legal requirements.
Can people in Brazil access X using VPNs?
Using VPNs to access X is subject to a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900).
What alternative platforms are Brazilians using after the X block?
Many Brazilian users have migrated to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads.
What action has Starlink taken in response to X’s block?
Starlink has refused to block X access and appealed the freeze on its Brazilian financial assets.
