Brazilian Supreme Court Orders Immediate Suspension of Social Media Platform X

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ordered the immediate suspension of the social media platform X in Brazil due to non-compliance with court directives. The ongoing conflict between the court and Elon Musk includes fines and the freezing of Starlink's financial accounts, escalating tensions and operational challenges for Musk’s companies in Brazil.

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ordered on Friday the immediate suspension of social media platform X in the country, after the company failed to identify a legal representative in Brazil by a court-imposed deadline.

This move is the latest in an ongoing conflict between a Brazilian Supreme Court justice and Elon Musk, which has also involved freezing Starlink's financial accounts in Brazil. Justice Moraes mandated the halt of X's operations until all court orders are satisfied, including paying fines amounting to 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) and appointing a legal representative.

Moraes directed telecommunications regulator Anatel to enforce the suspension and confirm its execution within 24 hours. To prevent circumvention via VPNs, fines up to 50,000 reais a day may be imposed on those continuing access. X anticipated the shutdown order, which Musk labeled as censorship, leading him to close the platform's offices in Brazil. Meanwhile, X and Starlink are challenging these decisions in court.

(With inputs from agencies.)