Tensions between Brazil and Elon Musk have escalated, putting social media platform X (formerly Twitter) at risk of being blocked in the country. The conflict centers on Musk’s defiance of Brazilian law, which requires social media platforms to have a local representative. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has demanded compliance, is at the heart of the dispute.
As of Friday morning, X was still operational in Brazil. However, the platform expects a shutdown order from Moraes after missing a court-imposed deadline. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has weighed in, emphasizing that no one, regardless of wealth, is above the law. He criticized Musk, saying, “Just because a guy has a lot of money doesn’t mean he can disrespect the law.”
Musk fired back on X, calling Moraes a “dictator” and accusing Lula of being the judge’s “lapdog.” Moraes, meanwhile, stressed the need for social media regulation to prevent hate speech. He hinted that action against X might be imminent but did not provide specifics.
Earlier this year, Moraes ordered X to block accounts linked to “digital militias” accused of spreading harmful content. Musk responded by closing X’s operations in Brazil, though the platform remains accessible.
In a related move, Brazil’s Supreme Court froze the local bank accounts of Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet firm. Despite this, Musk promised Starlink would continue serving Brazilians, including schools and hospitals in remote areas, and supporting the military, which has warned of the potential impact of losing the service.
