Social network X is banned in Brazil
Brazil began blocking access to Elon Musk’s social media platform X early Saturday, making it mostly unavailable on both web browsers and mobile apps. This action followed Musk’s refusal to appoint a legal representative for the platform in the country.
The decision intensifies an ongoing conflict between Musk and a Brazilian Supreme Court justice that has been unfolding for several months, focusing on issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation. On Friday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of the platform.
To enforce the block, Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, instructed internet service providers to restrict access to X. By early Saturday morning, major providers had started complying with the order.
On Wednesday night, de Moraes had warned Musk that X could be blocked if he did not name a legal representative within 24 hours. The platform has not had a representative in Brazil since earlier this month.
In his ruling on Friday, de Moraes criticized Musk, stating, “Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country.”
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.