Social Media Platform X Closes Operations in Brazil Amidst Legal Controversies

Social media platform X announced its immediate withdrawal from Brazil after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes threatened to arrest its legal representative. Despite closing operations, X will continue to offer services in the country. The move follows a dispute over free speech and alleged censorship by de Moraes.

Social media platform X announced Saturday it will cease operations in Brazil, citing threats of arrest by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes against its legal representative. The company stated that all remaining staff in Brazil are being removed immediately, although services will still be provided to the country's users.

Earlier this year, X had conflicts with de Moraes regarding free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation. The company argued that recent orders from de Moraes amounted to censorship and shared relevant documents online. The Supreme Court has yet to respond to requests for comment from the Associated Press regarding the issue.

In the U.S., freedom of speech is a constitutional right that tends to be more permissive compared to Brazil. De Moraes has initiated investigations into CEO Elon Musk and other far-right figures for spreading false information and possible criminal activities. Critics accuse de Moraes of overreaching and infringing on free speech.

(With inputs from agencies.)