The judge Alexandre de Moraesof the Supreme Federal Court (STF), has ordered today the suspension of social network X in Brazil. The decision comes after the company default in establishing a legal representative in the countryas previously ordered.
According to the newspaper G1, Moraes has ruled that the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) must implement the measure in a maximum period of 24 hours. In addition, app distribution platforms such as Apple and Google will have 5 days to remove app X from their online stores.
The minister’s decision also includes a Daily fine of 50,000 reais to any person or company that uses methods like VPN to access X, despite the fact that the social network will be banned in the country. This measure aims to ensure compliance with the order and prevent evasive use of the platform in Brazil.
The Office of the Attorney General of the Republic (PGR) hhas supported Moraes’ decision, stressing the need for companies to operate in accordance with local laws and respect established regulations.
The minister has criticized X’s actions for trying to establish an environment of «lawless land» in the country, highlighting the negative impact this has had on the Brazilian social and political fabric.
Background of the decision taken
On August 17, Elon Musk decided to close the offices of its X platform in Brazil cas a response to a court order of the Supreme Federal Court of the country. The Judge Alexandre de Moraes had issued a measure that required the suspension of several accounts on the social network, with the threat of arrest for the legal representative of X in Brazil if the order was not complied with.
The confrontation between Musk and Judge Moraes has intensified in the last days. Moraes, known for his firm stance against disinformation and hate speech on social networkshas requested the suspension of accounts that, in its opinion, spread content that threatens the Brazilian democracy. These measures have generated a strong Musk’s reactionwho has accused the judge of censorship and restricting the conservative voices.
