Brazil blocks Musk’s X after company refuses to name local representative amid feud with judge

Brazil blocks Elon Musk's X platform over free speech dispute, escalating feud with Supreme Court justice.

Brazil started blocking Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) early Saturday (August 31, 2024), making it largely inaccessible on both the web and through mobile apps after the billionaire refused to name a legal representative to the country.

The move escalates a monthslong feud between Mr. Musk and a Brazilian Supreme Court justice over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation. Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension on Friday (August 30, 2024).

To block X, Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, told internet service providers to suspend users’ access to the social media platform. As of Saturday (August 31, 2024) after midnight local time, major operators had begun doing so.

Also Read: X owner Elon Musk uses his ’free speech’ platform to amplify his views worldwide

Mr. de Moraes had warned Mr. Musk on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) night that X could be blocked in Brazil if he failed to comply with his order to name a representative and established a 24-hour deadline. The company hasn’t had a representative in the country since earlier this month.

“Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country,” Mr. de Moraes wrote in his decision on Friday (August 30, 2024).

The Justice said the platform will stay suspended until it complies with his orders, and also set a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,900) for people or companies using VPNs to access it.