X Shuts Down Brazil Operations During Legal Battle Over Free Speech and Disinformation

Elon Musk recently announced the closure of X’s (formerly Twitter) operations in Brazil, describing the decision as “difficult” but necessary. He emphasized that he would have been “ashamed” to comply with what he termed as illegal demands for censorship and the handover of private information by Brazilian authorities. Musk criticized the situation as a violation of free speech, highlighting that the safety of X’s employees was also a key concern in making this decision​ (Hindustan Times).

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced the closure of its local operations in Brazil following a contentious legal battle with the country’s Supreme Court. Elon Musk, the owner of X, revealed the decision on Sunday, citing escalating tensions over the platform’s rights and responsibilities.

🚨 X OPERATIONS TO BE CLOSED IN BRAZIL!

X Global has ceased operations in Brazil, citing threats from Alexandre de Moraes against their legal representative over censorship orders.

They condemn his actions as undemocratic and hold him responsible for this decision. pic.twitter.com/xjQDXdtGGe

— Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) August 17, 2024

Despite winding down its physical presence, X will continue to be accessible to Brazilian users. The conflict centers around a dispute between the platform’s defense of free speech and Brazil’s Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes’s efforts to combat disinformation. Moraes has been a vocal opponent of what he views as the spread of false information, which he argues threatens democracy and public order.

In April, Moraes initiated an investigation into Musk, accusing him of “criminal instrumentalization” of the platform. The judge criticized Musk for reactivating banned accounts, a move that defied Brazilian court orders. According to reports, Musk faced the threat of fines for each reactivated account, further intensifying the standoff between X and Brazil’s judiciary.

This legal clash follows a similar incident involving Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who banned the platform for ten days, accusing Musk of inciting violence and hatred during an election dispute. Musk has increasingly positioned himself as an outspoken figure on Latin American political issues, often taking to the platform to express his views.

X announced closing its operations in Brazil “effective immediately” due “censorship orders” from Brazilian judge Alexandre. X CEO Elon Musk said it was a difficult decision to make.#Brazil #Twitter #X #ElonMusk | Source: Reuters pic.twitter.com/uDuQwVxHfY

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 18, 2024

In a statement from X’s Global Government Affairs department, the company accused Judge Moraes of abusing his power by threatening the arrest of X’s legal representative in Brazil if the platform did not comply with his orders. X described these orders as secretive and incompatible with democratic principles. “The responsibility lies solely with Alexandre de Moraes,” the statement read, emphasizing that the judge’s actions left the company with no choice but to close its Brazilian operations to ensure the safety of its staff.

Musk himself commented on the decision, labeling it “difficult” but necessary to maintain the platform’s integrity. He argued that complying with Moraes’s demands for censorship and the handover of private information would have been indefensible.

Judge Moraes, who also presides over Brazil’s Superior Electoral Tribunal, has been a staunch enforcer of measures against disinformation, particularly following the 2022 presidential election. The Tribunal declared former President Jair Bolsonaro ineligible to run for office again, citing his attempts to undermine confidence in the election system. Moraes has consistently stated that freedom of expression does not equate to freedom to spread misinformation or to incite aggression, defending his actions as necessary to preserve democratic governance.

X Says Operations In Brazil Will Be Closing Due To Judge’s Orders https://t.co/kjrW0WYbNO #OAN pic.twitter.com/Df613QJW8v

— One America News (@OANN) August 17, 2024

Major Points:

• Social media platform X, formerly Twitter, has decided to close its local operations in Brazil following a legal battle with the country’s Supreme Court.
• Despite the closure of its physical presence, X will remain accessible to users in Brazil, allowing continued access to the platform.
• The conflict centers around X’s defense of free speech and Brazil’s Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes’s efforts to combat disinformation and maintain public order.
• Elon Musk was investigated by Judge Moraes for allegedly reactivating banned accounts on the platform, leading to threats of fines and further legal repercussions.
• Judge Moraes, who presides over Brazil’s Superior Electoral Tribunal, has been a strong advocate for measures against disinformation, particularly following the 2022 election, where he disqualified former President Jair Bolsonaro from running for office again.

Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News