- X is submitting documents to Brazil’s Supreme Court and could be restored next week after appointing a legal representative.
- X is blocking accounts spreading fake news and has paid an 18 million reais fine to meet court demands.
OUR TAKE
This highlights a significant conflict between X (formerly Twitter), a major global social media platform, and Brazil’s Supreme Court. The resolution of this dispute has broader implications for freedom of speech vs. regulation and corporate accountability.
–Jennifer Yu, BTW reporter
What happened
Elon Musk’s social media platform X plans to submit documents requested by Brazil’s Supreme Court and aims to have service restored by Monday, according to sources.
Access to X, formerly known as Twitter, has been blocked in Brazil since late August after an order from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is investigating “digital militias” accused of spreading hate speech.
The dispute led X to close its offices and dismiss staff, including its legal representative, breaching local laws. However, X could be reinstated next week after submitting documents proving the appointment of a new legal representative.
X has begun complying with other court demands, such as blocking profiles accused of spreading fake news and paying a fine of 18 million reais ($3 million) via Musk’s Starlink accounts.
The company hopes to smooth relations with Moraes and resume normal operations in Brazil. Neither X nor the Supreme Court has responded to requests for comment.
Also read: Brazil top court lifts Starlink, X bank account freeze after $3M transfer
Also read: Brazil’s Supreme Court orders the suspension of X
Why it’s important
The issue began when X was blocked in Brazil due to its failure to comply with a court order related to an investigation into “digital militias” spreading hate speech. The platform’s shutdown underscores the growing tension between freedom of speech and government efforts to regulate online content, especially in combating misinformation.
Furthermore, this case stresses the importance of corporate accountability, as X breached Brazilian law by not maintaining a legal representative in the country. The platform’s recent compliance with court demands, including blocking accounts and paying a substantial fine, demonstrates the consequences of failing to follow local laws.
The outcome may set a precedent for how other social media companies manage legal challenges in different countries, particularly when faced with government demands for stricter control over content.
