Tensions Rise as Brazil's Legal System Challenges Elon Musk's Social Media Giant

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered Elon Musk to appoint a legal representative for his platform X in Brazil within 24 hours or face suspension. This comes after ongoing tensions over the platform's alleged failure to comply with local laws to block accounts spreading fake news and hate messages. Moraes has taken further actions such as freezing financial assets to enforce compliance.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes recently gave billionaire Elon Musk a 24-hour deadline to appoint a legal representative for his platform X in Brazil, under threat of suspension of the social media site within the country.

The conflict has been ongoing for months, with de Moraes and Musk at odds over X's compliance—formerly known as Twitter—with orders to block accounts accused of spreading fake news and hate messages. Musk alleges that de Moraes threatened to arrest one of the company's legal representatives in Brazil, prompting Musk to shut down all Brazil offices while maintaining service.

The situation could escalate further, with Moraes potentially ordering X to be taken down in Brazil. He has already frozen the financial assets of Musk's Starlink to cover unpaid fines. Under Brazilian internet laws, social media must have a local representative, and without it, de Moraes could shut down X's operations and instruct telecommunications companies to stop carrying its traffic. The platform remains crucial in Brazil, especially with upcoming municipal elections.

(With inputs from agencies.)