Elon Musk’s X Receives Approval to Resume Services in Brazil After Complying with Supreme Court Demands
Delhi News
Brazil’s Supreme Court has cleared X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to resume operations in the country. This decision follows the platform’s recent compliance with court rulings that its billionaire owner, Elon Musk, had previously resisted. Justice Alexandre de Moraes announced the ruling, stating that X had met all necessary requirements to start operating again.
The suspension of X in Brazil had been in effect since late August, a significant setback for the platform in one of its largest markets. The court had ordered X to address issues related to hate speech moderation and mandated the appointment of a legal representative in Brazil, which the platform initially failed to do.
With the Supreme Court’s decision, X can now continue to serve its users in Brazil. This development marks a notable turn in the ongoing feud between Musk and Brazilian authorities, potentially paving the way for a more cooperative relationship moving forward.
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Musk’s Changing Stance: Compliance and Resumption of X’s Services in Brazil
Elon Musk, who had previously condemned Brazilian court orders as censorship and labeled Justice Alexandre de Moraes a “dictator,” began to change his stance in recent weeks. His social media platform, X, has started blocking accounts that were flagged by the court, appointed a local representative, and settled outstanding fines.
In his decision on Tuesday, Justice Moraes instructed Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, to ensure that X is back online within 24 hours. However, as of 7 p.m. local time, users in Brazil were still unable to access the platform.
X announced through its Global Affairs account that it was proud to return to Brazil and emphasized its commitment to “defend freedom of speech, within the boundaries of the law” in all the countries where it operates. This dispute in Brazil is part of a broader series of conflicts Musk has had with various governments, including Australia and the United Kingdom, as they attempt to combat the spread of online misinformation.
Brazil’s communication minister announced on Tuesday that X’s decision to pay fines and comply with court orders represents a “victory for the country.” In a statement, Juscelino Filho emphasized that this outcome demonstrates that laws in Brazil must be respected by everyone, regardless of their status or influence.
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Judicial Battle
X was initially suspended following a ruling by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has led efforts against perceived threats to democracy and the misuse of disinformation in Brazil. His decision was later unanimously supported by a five-member panel of the Supreme Court, along with its chief justice.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also endorsed the suspension, stating that businesses operating in Brazil must adhere to local laws. He added that the world should not have to tolerate Musk’s far-right ideology simply because of his wealth.
At that time, the justices indicated they would reconsider the suspension if X complied with the court’s rulings. Initially, the social media platform refused to follow the orders, claiming they were “illegal.”
Brazil is X’s sixth-largest market worldwide, with approximately 21.5 million users as of April, according to data from Statista. During the suspension, many users shifted to competing platforms like Bluesky and Threads, owned by Meta Platforms.
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X’s Legal Challenges and Suspension in Brazil
X had legal representation in Brazil until mid-August but chose to close its local offices, labeling the court orders as “censorship orders.” As a result, X did not appoint anyone to take on legal responsibilities in Brazil, which ultimately led to its suspension.
This judicial conflict also impacted another of Musk’s prominent businesses, the satellite internet provider Starlink. Justice Moraes temporarily froze Starlink’s accounts to ensure fines imposed on X were paid.
A new representative for X, lawyer Rachel de Oliveira Conceição, was appointed in late September. Around the same time, X announced that it had begun blocking accounts as ordered by the court. Earlier this month, the company paid outstanding fines it had previously ignored, paving the way for its reinstatement in Brazil.
During the suspension, X was unavailable to users in Brazil throughout the final month of the country’s municipal elections, which took place on Sunday. In many cities, including São Paulo, Latin America’s largest city, mayoral elections will proceed to run-offs on October 27.