Elon Musk folds in Brazil after decision to suspend X

While a Brazilian judge had ordered the suspension of social network X (Twitter) due to non-compliance with local legislation, the Brazilian Supreme Court unanimously upheld this decision. As a result, Elon Musk’s social network has been blocked throughout the country.

The suspension of the X social network in Brazil was implemented on Saturday, following an order issued when Elon Musk, despite multiple requests from a judge, had refused to appoint a legal representative for the company in Brazil.

Under Brazilian law, any company operating in the country must have a local legal representative. Misinformation is at the heart of this legal dispute between Elon Musk and the judge, which began last April, when the latter ordered the suspension of several accounts accused of spreading misinformation in Brazil.

Recall that the situation deteriorated last month, when X closed its office in Brazil after refusing to comply with what Musk considers censorship.

The judge severely criticized X and Elon Musk, saying the latter saw himself as above the law. He ordered him to find a local representative or risk being blocked, a threat he was eventually forced to carry out.

Elon Musk described the ban on his platform as an attack on freedom of expression, and stepped up his criticism of Brazil’s Supreme Court and the government.

Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet company, reportedly initially refused to comply with the Brazilian court order to block X. Such a decision could result in sanctions for Starlink similar to those imposed on X.

Starlink, has finally announced that it will comply with the decision of the Brazilian Supreme Court, which ordered the blocking of access to social media platform X. This will no doubt bring relief to some 250,000 Starlink customers in Brazil…

In a message on X, Starlink said it would use all possible legal means to contest the decision, while respecting the Brazilian order to block the social media platform.