X, formerly known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil after failing to meet a deadline set by Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes to appoint a new legal representative in the country. Judge Moraes ordered the “immediate and complete suspension” of the social media platform until it complies with all court orders and settles existing fines.
The dispute began in April when Judge Moraes ordered the suspension of several X accounts accused of spreading disinformation, many of which were linked to supporters of former right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro. Reacting to the ban, X owner Elon Musk criticized the judge, saying, “Free speech is the bedrock of democracy, and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes.”
The social media platform is used by at least 10% of Brazil’s 200 million residents. By Saturday morning, some users reported that access to X was no longer possible. Earlier this month, X closed its office in Brazil, citing threats of arrest against its representative for not complying with what the company described as “censorship” and illegal orders under Brazilian law.
Judge Moraes had stated that the company’s legal representatives would be held liable if any suspended accounts were reactivated. X has faced threats of fines for non-compliance and, along with Musk, has accused the judge of having left-wing biases.
This ban is the latest in a series of conflicts involving Musk, who has recently clashed with the EU over regulation of X and engaged in a public dispute with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Brazil’s telecommunications agency, tasked with implementing the suspension, has stated it is “proceeding with the compliance” to enforce the ban, according to Reuters.
Additionally, Judge Moraes has given companies like Apple and Google five days to remove X from their app stores and block its use on iOS and Android systems. He also warned that individuals or businesses using VPNs (virtual private networks) to access the platform could face fines of R$50,000 (£6,700).
X has maintained its stance against complying with the court’s demands. In a previous statement from one of its official accounts, X declared, “Soon, we expect Judge Alexandre de Moraes will order X to be shut down in Brazil – simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents. The fundamental issue at stake here is that Judge de Moraes demands we break Brazil’s own laws. We simply won’t do that.”
The ban will remain in effect until X names a new legal representative in Brazil and pays the fines imposed for alleged violations of Brazilian law.
