Brazil Supreme Court orders suspension of Elon Musk's X

Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, has been blocked in Brazil as per the orders of the country's top court.

The Brazilian Supreme Court accused the social media platform of non-compliance with its orders and regulations, as well as failing to name a legal representative by the set deadline, which triggered the decision.

On August 28, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered that Musk appoint a legal representative in 24 hours or Brazil would suspend X's operations in the country.

"(Following) repeated, conscious, and willful non-compliance with court orders and non-compliance with the daily fines imposed, in addition to the attempt to not submit to the Brazilian legal system and judiciary, to establish an environment of total impunity and 'lawless land' in Brazilian social networks, including during the 2024 municipal elections," Moraes said in a press release.

The court also said the social media platform has been a hub of hatred and discriminatory speech and has interfered with the country's democratic processes.

The Supreme Court has ordered Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) to shut down the social network across the country within 24 hours. Apple and Google have also been given five days to remove the X app from their platforms.

In response, Musk has criticized Justice Moraes on X, referring to him as an "evil dictator cosplaying as a judge," though he has not officially addressed the recent fines and investigations by Brazil’s judiciary.

Long time coming

Moraes had previously ordered the suspension of several accounts on Twitter accused of spreading disinformation, particularly those of supporters of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who attempted to undermine confidence in the voting system after losing the 2022 presidential election.

"Freedom of expression doesn't mean freedom of aggression," Moraes said, "It doesn't mean the freedom to defend tyranny."

Moraes has led the charge against disinformation in Brazil, where he also presides over the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE). Last year, the TSE declared Bolsonaro ineligible to run for office again, citing his dissemination of false information regarding the electoral system.

Musk and others have criticized Moraes, arguing that his actions are part of a broader crackdown on free speech.

In April, Moraes initiated an investigation into Musk, accusing him of “criminally instrumentalizing” X by reactivating banned accounts. He also threatened the platform's CEO with a fine of approximately $20,000 per violation.

"Social networks are not lands without laws," Moraes stated.

Musk countered by saying that while X might lose revenue in Brazil, "principles matter more than profit."