X (Twitter) Banned in Brazil for Failing to Meet Legal Requirements

• Aug 31, 2024

X, formerly known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil after failing to meet a deadline set by a Supreme Court judge to name a new legal representative in the country.

The row began in April, with the judge ordering the suspension of dozens of X accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation. In response, X owner Elon Musk accused the "unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil" of "destroying" free speech "for political purposes."

According to the judge's order, the "immediate and complete suspension" of the social media platform will remain in effect until X complies with all court orders and pays existing fines. The decision has been met with criticism from X and its supporters, who claim the judge's actions are unconstitutional.

The ban is the latest in a series of clashes between X and authorities in Brazil. Earlier this month, the company closed its office in the country, saying its representative had been threatened with arrest if she did not comply with orders it described as "censorship" and "illegal under Brazilian law."

The judge has also given companies like Apple and Google a five-day deadline to remove X from their application stores and block its use on iOS and Android systems. Individuals or businesses using VPNs to access the platform could be fined R$50,000 (£6,700).

Meanwhile, the bank accounts of Musk's satellite internet firm Starlink have been frozen in Brazil following an earlier order by the country's Supreme Court. Starlink has responded by claiming the order is "based on an unfounded determination" that it should be responsible for the fines levied against X.

The ban on X in Brazil is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges faced by the social media platform and its owner, Elon Musk. It highlights the ongoing tension between tech companies and governments over issues of free speech, content moderation, and legal compliance.

As the situation in Brazil continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor the response from X, its users, and the broader international community, as the debate over the role of social media in democracy remains a key issue on the global stage.