Social media platform X has announced the immediate shutdown of its operations in Brazil following a legal dispute with Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. The platform, previously known as Twitter, cited Moraes’ demands that would require the company to violate local and international laws as the reason for the closure. Despite the shutdown, Brazilian users will still have access to X.
The conflict between X and Moraes stems from the judge’s efforts to combat disinformation online, including requests to block accounts spreading false news and hate messages, particularly those of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro had falsely claimed that Brazil’s electronic voting system was susceptible to fraud before the 2022 election, which he ultimately lost to left-wing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Moraes has emphasized that freedom of expression should not be used to defend tyranny or promote aggression. In response to the shutdown, Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, criticized Moraes, calling him an “utter disgrace to justice” and expressing regret over the decision to close operations in Brazil.
The tension between X and Moraes escalated when the judge allegedly threatened the company’s legal representative in Brazil with arrest if they did not comply with orders to remove content from the platform. X published a document purportedly signed by Moraes outlining fines and an arrest decree.
The situation has highlighted the challenges faced by tech companies in navigating legal demands related to content moderation and freedom of expression. Despite the closure of its operations in Brazil, X remains accessible to Brazilian users as the legal battle continues.
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