Brazil’s Supreme Court has issued an ultimatum to X, formerly known as Twitter, demanding that its owner, Elon Musk, appoint a legal representative in Brazil within 24 hours or face a potential ban.
The order, announced by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes on Wednesday, threatens to suspend X’s operations if the company fails to comply.
This development is part of a broader dispute between Musk and De Moraes, who has led efforts to combat misinformation in Brazil, a country of over 200 million people.
De Moraes has previously ordered the suspension of more than 100 X accounts for allegedly spreading disinformation, including those linked to former President Jair Bolsonaro, who was defeated by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in the 2022 election.
In April, De Moraes accused Musk of engaging in a “disinformation campaign” and disrespecting Brazil’s sovereignty by ignoring court orders to block certain accounts.
Musk, known for his staunch advocacy of free speech, has accused De Moraes of infringing on free speech rights and violating the Brazilian constitution.
Earlier in August, X announced it would cease operations in Brazil, citing threats of arrest against one of its legal representatives by De Moraes if the company did not comply with takedown orders.
The Supreme Court did not comment on X’s claims at the time.
The feud has sparked significant controversy, with Bolsonaro’s right-wing supporters alleging that De Moraes is overstepping his authority to suppress political opponents.
Conversely, De Moraes’s supporters argue that his actions are crucial for addressing rampant disinformation and protecting democracy.
Musk had previously visited Brazil in 2022 to discuss expanding his satellite internet service, Starlink, and other technological projects.
The ongoing tensions also echo past international disputes involving X; for instance, the platform faced a temporary ban in Nigeria in 2021 after removing posts from then-President Muhammadu Buhari. Access was restored after the company agreed to establish a local legal entity.
Similarly, in India, X was pressured to set up a local presence under threat of detention or arrest for non-compliance with legal demands.
The situation in Brazil highlights broader concerns about the regulation and moderation of social media platforms, as well as the challenges faced by tech giants navigating complex legal landscapes across different countries.
