X, formerly known as Twitter, is facing a potential ban in Brazil after failing to meet a deadline to name a new legal representative for the company. The social media network closed its office in the country earlier this month, citing threats of arrest if its representative did not comply with what it described as “censorship” orders.
The dispute began when Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of dozens of X accounts in April for allegedly spreading disinformation. X owner Elon Musk has threatened to reactivate the accounts and has criticized Justice Moraes as a “tyrant” and a “dictator”.
Justice Moraes gave X 24 hours to name a new legal representative or face suspension, with the deadline passing on Thursday evening. X did not comply with the order, stating that it would not censor political opponents and would not break Brazilian laws.
Meanwhile, the bank accounts of Elon Musk’s satellite internet firm Starlink have been frozen in Brazil following an order by the Supreme Court. Starlink responded by stating that the order was unfounded and unconstitutional.
The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between social media platforms and Brazilian authorities. Last year, Telegram was temporarily banned for not cooperating with requests to block certain profiles, and Meta’s Whatsapp faced temporary bans in the past for refusing to provide user data to police.
As the situation unfolds, X’s future in Brazil remains uncertain, with the company standing firm in its refusal to comply with what it deems as illegal censorship orders.
