Return of X: Social Media Platform Resumes in Brazil

Social media platform X resumes in Brazil after a month-long suspension. The shutdown was due to a dispute between owner Elon Musk and a Supreme Court justice over free speech and misinformation. Compliance with court demands led to the restoration of access.

Social media platform X made its return to Brazil on Wednesday after being inaccessible for over a month due to a legal clash involving its owner, Elon Musk, and a justice from Brazil's highest court.

Internet service providers started to restore access after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes gave the green light to lift the suspension on Tuesday.

De Moraes had ordered the shutdown of X on August 30 following a prolonged conflict with Musk concerning issues like free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation. Despite Musk's criticisms labelling de Moraes as authoritarian, the justice's decisions, including the platform's suspension, were upheld by his fellow justices.

Ultimately, Musk's company adhered to all of de Moraes' requirements, which included blocking certain accounts, settling outstanding fines, and appointing a legal representative in Brazil. The lack of compliance led to the initial suspension.

Brazil, a country with a population of 213 million, is a significant market for X. Estimates suggest its user base in the country ranges from 20 million to 40 million.

(With inputs from agencies.)