The Brazilian Supreme Court has ordered the suspension of X, formerly known as Twitter. This action was executed after X failed to meet a deadline to appoint a legal representative in the country. Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued an order on August 29 mandating the “immediate, complete and total suspension of X’s operations” in Brazil. These operations are suspended until the platform complies with all court orders. Paying outstanding fines and appointing a legal representative are two considerable orders from the Court.
This mandate is also thought of as a controversy between Justice Moraes and the owner of X, Elon Musk. But suspension is a result of a long accelerated dispute.
Enforcement and Fines by Court
The National Telecommunication Agency of Brazil was given 24 hours to enforce the decision. The order has been passed to 20,000 broadband internet providers. The agency’s president Carlos Manuel Baigorri confirmed order pass has already been communicated to Internet providers. They are expected to implement the court’s order up to the weekend.
Other than the suspension of X Justice Moraes has imposed a fine of R$50,000 (£6,800). This fine is for companies and individuals that attempt to continue using X via Virtual Private Network (VPN). At the initial point, Google and Apple were also summoned to block the use of X in Android and iOS systems. Later this decree was removed by Moraes this requirement pending further statements from X and its owner Elon Musk.
Reaction of Musk on Court’s Order
After suspension, Musk took to X to criticize the Brazilian Government. for “shutting down the #1 source of truth” and being “afraid of the people learning the truth.” said Musk. He referred Brazilian administration as the “Oppressive Regime” that attempted to bankrupt anyone who challenged it. Musk’s reaction is also compared with Telegram CEO after the Telegram Ban in India But administration action is different in both cases.
Perspective of Brazilian Authorities
In response to Musk’s criticism, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized company action. He believes that companies operating in Brazil must respect the country’s constitution and laws, regardless of the owner’s wealth and status. Lula Underscored that Elon Musk has to comply with the Court’s order to maintain the sovereignty of the country.
Musk Vs. Moraes
The conflict between Justice Moraes and Elon Musk has started in April. It was a consequence of the suspension of dozens of accounts on X for allegedly spreading disinformation. This order was announced as censorship by Musk.
Other Carelessness is, that X has had no representative in Brazil since August 17. At the same time, Musk announced the company’s decision to cease operations in the country because of a “censorship order” from Moraes. Despite this, X is accessible to users of Brazil until a recent court order passes out.
Financial and Legal Challenges
This battle is extended to Starlink, Musk’s Sattelite and Internet provider. On 18 August, Moraes again ordered to freeze of the bank account of Starlink to enforce fines imposed on X. This fine was imposed for failing to remove profiles accused of promoting anti-democratic actions and false information. Starlink is the leading internet service provider in the Amazon region. The company criticized the decision and promised to provide continued services, even free of charge if necessary.
After actions and reactions, telecommunication companies in Brazil are executing the court’s order. Starlink filed a request with the Supreme Court to have its account unfrozen or a limit freeze. Brazilians have several different views on the news and the court has yet decide to on Starlink’s request.