X has finally complied with Brazilian court orders after months of defiance.
The platform had been blocked in the country following its refusal to follow judicial instructions. However, X has now paid fines, removed controversial accounts, and appointed a legal representative in Brazil. The move marks a significant shift in owner Elon Musk’s stance.
Key Court Demands Fulfilled
Brazil’s Supreme Court had made several demands, and X has recently begun addressing them:
- Appointed a legal representative: X named Rachel de Oliveira Conceicao as its official representative in Brazil.
- Paid outstanding fines: X settled the hefty fines imposed due to its non-compliance.
- Removed dangerous accounts: The platform has taken down user accounts that the court deemed a threat to Brazil’s democracy.
Despite these steps, the court is not fully satisfied.
X has yet to provide proper documentation proving Conceicao’s appointment, and the company has five days to comply fully.
The Conflict With Brazil’s Judiciary
Musk’s clash with Brazil’s Supreme Court, particularly with Justice Alexandre de Moraes, began in April.
Moraes had ordered X to remove over 100 accounts that spread misinformation about the 2022 Brazilian election results, which many believed were aimed at supporting former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro.
In response, Musk closed X’s offices in Brazil by mid-August, leaving the company without a legal representative—a violation of Brazilian law for firms operating within the country.
The judiciary then escalated matters by ordering Brazilian mobile and internet providers to block access to X. Musk had been highly critical of Moraes, even calling him an “evil tyrant.”
X’s Return to Brazil
Just last week, X reappeared in Brazil, which the company explained was the result of a software update that accidentally restored services. However, Moraes labeled the restoration as “wilful, illegal, and persistent”.
He slapped X with a new fine of R$5 million (£680,000), adding to the R$18.3 million (£2.5 million) in previous penalties.
Musk’s Free Speech Stance
Musk has positioned himself as a defender of free speech and has consistently opposed orders to remove posts and accounts, not just in Brazil but also in Australia. Yet, his resistance seems selective, as he has been quieter about government censorship in countries like Turkey and India.
With Brazil’s population of 200 million, the country remains an attractive market for social media platforms, making it crucial for Musk to maintain operations there.
Starlink’s Involvement
Musk’s other company, Starlink, also found itself entangled in the legal battle. Brazil’s authorities froze Starlink’s assets after it refused to block access to X. In early September, Starlink agreed to comply with Brazilian law.
What’s Next for X in Brazil?
The conflict between Musk and Brazil’s Supreme Court has cooled for now, but it’s not completely resolved.
X must still provide the necessary documentation to finalize the appointment of its legal representative. Tensions remain high between Musk and the Brazilian judiciary.
While Musk may view himself as a champion of free speech, his battles in Brazil highlight the challenges of balancing that stance with legal obligations in key international markets.
