Brazil’s Supreme Court Lifts Ban on Social Media Platform X, Owned by Elon Musk
In a groundbreaking decision, Brazil’s Supreme Court has announced the lifting of a ban on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The platform, owned by tech mogul Elon Musk, had been at the center of a heated legal battle with the Brazilian government over allegations of spreading misinformation about the 2022 Presidential election.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who had initially blocked access to X in the country, has now authorized the “immediate return” of the platform’s activities after it paid hefty fines totaling 28 million reais ($5.1m; £3.8m) and agreed to appoint a local representative as required by Brazilian law. The decision comes after months of defiance from Musk, who had fired the company’s Brazilian staff and closed its office in Brazil in late August.
Musk, known for his stance as a “free-speech absolutist”, had criticized the government’s actions as an abuse of power and a violation of free speech. However, in a surprising turn of events, X began to comply with the court’s orders in September, leading to the eventual lifting of the ban.
Anatel, Brazil’s telecoms watchdog, has been instructed to ensure service resumes for over 20 million users in the country within 24 hours. The platform’s government affairs team expressed their pride in returning to Brazil and providing access to tens of millions of Brazilians.
Brazil is one of the largest markets for X globally, with an estimated 22 million users, making the platform’s return a significant development for both the company and its users in the country. The lifting of the ban marks a new chapter in the ongoing battle between tech giants and governments over the regulation of social media and free speech.
