Brazil Blocks Access to X Amidst Escalating Tensions Between Elon Musk and Supreme Court
Access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, was blocked across Brazil on Saturday following a court-ordered suspension that marks the latest development in an intensifying dispute between tech billionaire Elon Musk and the country’s judiciary.
The ban comes after Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered the nationwide suspension of X on Friday due to Musk’s refusal to appoint a legal representative in the country, a requirement under Brazilian law for companies operating within its jurisdiction. The platform’s Brazilian office was shut down on August 17 after Justice Alexandre de Moraes, a member of the Supreme Court, threatened legal action against local representatives for non-compliance with orders to block certain users.
This action has deepened the ongoing conflict between Musk and Brazilian authorities, which has been simmering for months over issues of free speech, misinformation, and the platform’s role in enabling far-right accounts. The court had previously directed X to block multiple accounts as part of a broad investigation into online misinformation and hate speech that threatens the country’s democratic processes.
In response to the suspension, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that Musk must adhere to Brazilian laws, asserting, “Anyone investing in Brazil is subject to the Brazilian constitution and laws.” Lula criticized Musk’s previous remarks, which he perceived as disrespectful towards the country’s institutions, and insisted that compliance with the law is non-negotiable.
The feud extended beyond X when the Supreme Court denied an appeal from Starlink, a satellite internet company also owned by Musk, to unfreeze its financial accounts. These accounts were blocked on Thursday to ensure payment of fines imposed on X as part of its legal battles. Starlink, which provides crucial internet services to remote areas in Brazil, particularly the Amazon rainforest, argued that it is unfairly being penalized for issues related to X.
Despite these setbacks, Musk has vowed to keep Starlink operational in Brazil, announcing that the service will continue free of charge as the company navigates the judicial restrictions.
Brazil represents a significant market for X, which has been struggling with advertiser losses since Musk’s acquisition. Approximately 40 million Brazilians, or about one-fifth of the population, use the platform monthly. The conflict between Musk and Brazil’s judiciary highlights the broader tension between global tech companies and national laws, particularly in regions where the regulation of social media is increasingly tied to the preservation of democratic values.
