Brazil Lifts Ban on X: Platform Resumes Operations After Compliance with Court Orders
Brazil’s Supreme Court has lifted the ban on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, after a suspension lasting nearly six weeks. The ban was imposed due to Elon Musk’s failure to comply with court orders regarding misinformation and the appointment of a local legal representative.
Key Developments:
- Immediate Resumption: Justice Alexandre de Moraes authorized the “immediate return” of X’s services in Brazil after the platform paid approximately $5.1 million in fines and agreed to block accounts accused of spreading false information related to the 2022 presidential elections
- Compliance with Court Orders: X met several conditions set by the court, including appointing a local representative and settling outstanding fines. This compliance was critical for lifting the ban, which had been in place since August 30, 2024
- Background of the Dispute: The conflict between Musk and de Moraes escalated over concerns about disinformation and far-right extremism on the platform. Musk had previously criticized de Moraes, labeling him an “evil dictator” and a “censor,” while de Moraes accused X of undermining democracy by allowing misinformation to spread
- User Impact: Prior to the ban, X had around 22 million users in Brazil, making it one of the platform’s largest markets. During the suspension, many users migrated to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads
- Regulatory Oversight: Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, has been tasked with ensuring that X resumes operations within 24 hours following the court’s ruling
Musk’s platform is now set to re-engage with its Brazilian audience, emphasizing its commitment to freedom of speech while adhering to local laws.