By Luis De Jesus
Aug 30, 2024, 11:55 PM EDT
A Brazilian Supreme Court judge on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of social media platform X in the country after its owner, Elon Musk, failed to comply with an order to appoint a legal representative for the platform in Brazil within 24 hours.
Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who issued the ruling, instructed the National Telecommunications Agency to take the necessary measures to ensure that the decision is effective throughout the national territory.
The order comes in the context of an investigation into the spread of fake news, in which Musk is being investigated for alleged crimes of obstruction of justice, criminal organization and incitement to commit a crime.
De Moraes justified his decision by pointing out that the platform has violated court orders and has tried to evade the Brazilian legal framework, creating an environment of impunity.
He further ordered that the suspension be maintained until all court orders are complied with and the fines imposed on X are paid.
The judge also highlighted that the platform is being used by extremist groups to massively disseminate Nazi, fascist, anti-democratic and hate speech, especially in the run-up to the municipal elections scheduled for October.
The conflict began months ago when De Moraes ordered the removal of profiles accused of spreading disinformation. Musk refused to comply and accused the judge of acting without justification.
Some of these profiles belong to followers of the far-right group led by former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is also under investigation for spreading fake news and attacking democratic institutions.
Recently, on August 17, X announced the closure of its office in Brazil, claiming that it was seeking to protect its employees from “threats” from De Moraes.
In response, the judge seized Musk’s Starlink bank accounts to ensure payment of fines.
Elon Musk responded with harsh criticism of De Moraes and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, accusing the judge of being a “criminal” and acting like a “dictator.”
Brazil is one of the countries with the highest number of active X users, with approximately 20 million. This is not the first time that the Brazilian justice system has ordered the suspension of a social network; similar cases have occurred with YouTube, WhatsApp and Telegram in previous years.
Continue reading:
• X network blockade in Venezuela continues after 10 days announced by Maduro
• Trump relies on Elon Musk and X for his election campaign
• VIDEO: Donald Trump goes viral by posting again on X