Brazilian Supreme Court orders Elon Musk to appoint a legal representative for X in Brazil or face site suspension.
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| Brazilian Supreme Court challenges Elon Musk over X's operations, demanding compliance or site suspension. Symbolic image |
Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Brazil - August 29, 2024:
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered billionaire Elon Musk to appoint a legal representative for his social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) in Brazil within 24 hours, or face the possibility of the site being suspended in the country. The court's decision was revealed on Wednesday, raising the stakes in an ongoing conflict between the platform and Brazil's judiciary.
Earlier this month, X announced plans to shut down its operations and lay off its staff in Brazil, citing what it described as "censorship orders" from Moraes. Despite the operational closure, X assured users that its service would remain available in Brazil, a move that appears to have prompted further legal scrutiny.
The Brazilian Supreme Court made the decision public by posting a screenshot on its official X account, tagging both Elon Musk and X's Global Government Affairs accounts. The court's directive underscores the importance of compliance with Brazilian laws regulating internet activities and the confidentiality of private information. Companies that fail to adhere to these laws could face temporary suspension of their operations in the country, according to Moraes.
As of now, X has not issued a response to the court's order, which was delivered outside normal working hours. The outcome of this legal standoff could have significant implications for the platform's future in Brazil, a key market for social media companies.