Categories: World News

Brazil Blocks X After Musk Defies Court Order

Brazilian authorities have blocked access to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, after its owner, Elon Musk, refused to comply with a Supreme Court order to suspend certain accounts.

According to New York Times, the order to block the platform was issued by Alexandre de Moraes, a justice of Brazil’s Supreme Court, who cited X’s failure to appoint a required legal representative in the country.

The dispute escalated after Musk closed X’s office in Brazil following threats of arrest by Justice Moraes for not complying with previous orders to remove specific accounts that allegedly violated Brazilian laws.

Musk responded to the order by criticizing it as unlawful, stating that free speech is fundamental to democracy and accusing the judge of political motives. In an online post, Musk referred to Justice Moraes as an “unelected pseudo-judge” who is undermining democracy.

Justice Moraes, however, defended his actions, accusing Musk of facilitating the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and attacks on Brazil’s democratic institutions.

He warned that anyone attempting to access X in Brazil using virtual private networks (VPNs) could face daily fines of nearly $9,000.

This legal battle is a key test of Musk’s commitment to free speech on X, as he has repeatedly resisted content removal orders in various countries.

READ ALSO

Mass Poison: Canada Begins Probe Of Nigerian Woman Who Threatens Genocide

Telegram CEO Freed, To Appear In Court

However, the blocking of X in Brazil, a major market with over 25 million downloads since 2022, presents a formidable challenge to his approach, potentially impacting the platform’s revenue, market share, and influence.

Justice Moraes has become one of Brazil’s most powerful and controversial figures, particularly in his efforts to combat online threats to democracy. He has ordered the removal of numerous accounts, primarily right-wing, and has been a central figure in investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters.

Recent Posts

Harsh Economy: Nigerians React As President Tinubu Spotted With Over 60-Vehicle Convoy In Lagos

In a video making waves on social media platforms, Nigerians have reacted with mixed feelings…

7 hours ago

Man Arrested For Insulting President Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, IGP

A popular Nigerian TikToker identified simply as Seaking has been arrested by operatives of the…

13 hours ago

The Longest Prison Sentences Ever Served

Throughout history, some individuals have endured extraordinarily long prison sentences, with their stories reflecting the…

14 hours ago

Families Call For Help As DSS Arrests Lovers In Osun Community

There is growing tension in Modakeke, Osun State, following the alleged arrest of two lovers,…

18 hours ago

Ibadan Stampede: I Regret Not Heeding Spiritual Warning – Woman Who Lost Two Kids

A victim of the stampede that occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, which has claimed…

18 hours ago

Trending Stories In Osun Today

The vibrant Osun State is no stranger to captivating events and headlines that draw attention…

19 hours ago

This website uses cookies.