- Elon Musk has publicly criticised judge Alexandre de Moraes, denouncing the legal actions as illegal and promising continued internet service to Brazilian users through SpaceX.
Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is facing a significant legal challenge in Brazil, where the Supreme Court may soon order its shutdown in the country. This conflict intensified after X missed a deadline to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, a requirement under local law. The situation has heightened tensions between Musk and Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, whom Musk has accused of censorship.
Musk criticized the Brazilian judiciary in a tweet, labeling de Moraes as a “tyrannical dictator masquerading as a judge”:
“True, Brazil is controlled by a tyrannical dictator masquerading as a judge” — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 30, 2024
Earlier this month, the Brazilian Supreme Court froze the bank accounts of Musk’s Starlink satellite internet company as part of a broader dispute over X’s non-compliance with court orders. The platform faces fines exceeding $3.6 million due to its failure to submit certain requested documents. Musk responded by denouncing the court’s actions on X, calling Moraes an “evil dictator” and announcing that SpaceX would provide free internet service to Brazilian users until the issue is resolved.
The crux of the dispute centers on Judge Moraes’ orders to block accounts on X accused of spreading misinformation, particularly those associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters. Musk has openly criticized these orders as censorship, arguing that they infringe on free speech. Although X eventually agreed to comply with the court’s demands, it cited operational difficulties for its incomplete compliance.
This legal battle jeopardizes X’s future in Brazil, one of its largest markets. The platform had already announced plans to exit the country, attributing the decision to Moraes’ censorship directives. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has supported Moraes, emphasizing the need to adhere to local laws and protect private information.
As the situation develops, Brazilian X users have responded with a mix of humor and concern, creating memes and discussing the potential impact of the court’s actions on free speech. The possibility of X’s shutdown in Brazil underscores the broader conflict between digital platforms and government regulation.
