The Supreme Court of Brazil bans X, formerly known as the Twitter. The Supreme Court confirmed the order to ban the social media platform during a virtual trial on 02 September. The order was issued by Supreme Court Judge Justice Alexandre de Moraes, and the ban was followed by fines of up to BRL 50,000 (USD 8,900) for those who use a virtual private network (VPN) to surf social media platforms, especially X (Twitter). The X (Twitter) can appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court. Brazil is one of the company’s largest markets with an estimated value of 40 million users that counts in the top 10 countries of X (Twitter) users.
What led to the ban of X (Twitter) by the supreme court of Brazil
The decision links with the dispute between Elon Musk, the owner of X (Twitter), and Supreme Court Judge Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered the platform to ban users that spread misinformation and disinformation about the 2022 general election in April. In response 2024, Musk removed X’s (Twitter’s) legal representative from Brazil. Moraes ordered the site to be suspended on 30 August after the company missed the deadline set by the court for a legal representative to be named in the country, which is a requirement for foreign companies under Brazilian law.
Now what is happening after the ban of X (twitter) in Brazil?
The ban will continue to exist and remain in place until X (Twitter) complies with Moraes’s orders, including nominating a legal representative and paying outstanding fines of more than USD three million. Elon Musk has criticized the Supreme Court’s orders and in addition to it, supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro have also opposed the ban imposed by the Supreme Court. Satellite internet provider Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has notified Brazil’s telecom regulator, Anatel, that it would not comply with the order issued by the court to ban X (Twitter). Justice Alexandre de Moraes has also blocked the local bank accounts of the company to enforce fines imposed on X (Twitter).
Outlook of the implication of the ban on X (twitter) in Brazil.
With increased technological exposure comes influence that can trigger and implant unrest especially among the youth of the country to contradict the impact, the ban on X (Twitter) is part of Brazil’s Supreme Court’s aim to moderate the effect of social media platforms operating in the country, The main focus was particularly to counter hate speech and disinformation that could create agitation of any kind. However, supporters of Bolsonaro have shown opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision, and the ban on X (Twitter) which can lead to increased social tensions and possible protests due to the free speech curbs in the country. The decision by the court also draws attention to the issue of regulations imposed by Brazil’s national government on social media platforms that can be seen as hampering the free speech of the citizens of Brazil.
