In a bold move by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, internet service providers have been ordered to block access to the social media platform X. This decision comes after the platform’s owner, Elon Musk, defied the court’s order to appoint a legal representative and shut down X accounts deemed detrimental to the democratic process. The order has been made public by Brazilian news site Power 360, creating a stir in the tech world.
Here are the key points surrounding this controversial decision:
- Deadline for Removal: Justice Moraes has set a deadline for telecom companies and tech giants to remove the X app from their platforms. Apple and Google have been given five days to eliminate the social media app from their respective app stores. Additionally, Brazil’s telecommunication agency Anatel has confirmed its receipt of the order. Internet service providers in the country have a mere 24 hours to comply with the directive.
- Criminalization: Accessing X through a virtual private network (VPN) has also been outlawed by Justice Moraes. Those caught using a VPN to access X could face hefty fines of 50,000 Brazilian Real per day (approximately $8,900).
- Financial Pressure: In a bid to coerce Musk into compliance, Justice Moraes has frozen the Brazilian bank accounts of SpaceX’s Starlink internet service provider. Both X and Starlink are private companies predominantly owned by Musk. X currently owes $3 million in outstanding fines associated with the case.
- Ongoing Legal Battle: The conflict between Justice Moraes and Musk has been escalating for months. As the electoral authority for Brazil, Justice Moraes has been cracking down on misinformation spread through online platforms leading up to the 2022 presidential election between Jair Bolsonaro and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The judge previously compelled the messaging app Telegram to freeze offending accounts, a move that was later reversed upon compliance.
- Defiant Stance: Musk has condemned Justice Moraes’ actions as "censorship orders" and has openly defied the court’s demands. Musk even went as far as shutting down X’s Brazilian office in a bid to ensure the safety of its staff. X’s Global Governments Affairs team has pledged to make all of Justice Moraes’ demands and court filings public.
As this legal battle unfolds, the future of X and its operations in Brazil remains uncertain. The clash between Justice Moraes and Elon Musk exemplifies the intricate relationship between technology, regulation, and democracy in the modern age.
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