Brazil Supreme Court Suspends Social Media Platform X Amid Feud with Elon Musk

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice ordered the suspension of social media platform X after a deadline expired for the company to appoint a legal representative in Brazil. The ongoing feud involves fines, blocked accounts, and accusations of censorship by Elon Musk. Telecommunications regulator Anatel is to enforce the suspension and monitor compliance.

A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has mandated the immediate suspension of social media platform X in the country. This follows the expiration of a court-ordered deadline for the company to designate a legal representative in Brazil. The move intensifies an ongoing dispute between Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Elon Musk.

Justice Moraes has called for the complete suspension of X until the company complies with various court orders, including the payment of 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) in fines, and the appointment of a legal representative. Anatel, Brazil's telecommunications regulator, has been tasked with executing the suspension order and must confirm its action within 24 hours.

Musk has criticized the ruling as censorship and responded by shutting down X's offices in Brazil, although the platform remains accessible. In a related action, Brazil's Supreme Court also froze the local bank accounts of Musk's satellite internet company, Starlink, prompting the company to seek relief from the court.

(With inputs from agencies.)