The telecommunications regulator in Brazil has decided to suspend access to Elon Musk’s X social network in the country. This decision was made in compliance with an order from a judge who has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with the billionaire investor. The judge issued the suspension after the social media platform missed a deadline to name a legal representative in Brazil, as required by the court.
This move threatens to deprive X of one of its largest and most important markets. For Musk, this suspension comes at a time when the platform is already struggling with advertising revenue. The feud between Musk and the judge has escalated to the point where the satellite internet provider Starlink, a subsidiary of Musk’s SpaceX, has had its bank accounts frozen in Brazil. This indicates a broader conflict between Musk and Brazilian authorities.
The judge’s ruling requires X to be suspended until it complies with all court orders, including the payment of substantial fines and the appointment of a local representative. The telecommunications regulator has been instructed to implement the suspension, which could involve telecom companies blocking access to the network. Users attempting to circumvent the block using VPNs face fines of up to $9,000 per day.
Initially, Apple and Google were instructed to remove X from their app stores and implement measures to prevent users from accessing the platform through VPNs. However, this part of the order was revoked later on. Both companies have chosen not to comment on the situation, leaving their position ambiguous.
The dispute over X has underscored the vast powers held by Brazilian Supreme Court judges, allowing them to make unilateral decisions. While Musk has criticized the judge’s actions as censorship, backing from a majority of the court has lent credibility to the ruling. The involvement of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva further complicates the situation, with the president insisting on compliance with legal obligations by all businesses.
Musk’s public response to the situation has been confrontational, with him referring to the judge as a “dictator” and accusing the president of being a “lapdog.” Despite this, the judge has remained steadfast, emphasizing the importance of upholding democracy and human rights, both online and offline.
The suspension of Elon Musk’s X social network in Brazil marks a significant escalation in the conflict between the billionaire investor and Brazilian authorities. The legal implications, enforcement measures, and political dimensions of this decision create a complex and contentious situation that has far-reaching consequences for both X and Musk himself.
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