Brazil has enacted a nationwide ban on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, due to the non-compliance of its owner, Elon Musk, with court orders related to disinformation and other legal issues.
Non-Compliance with Court Orders
The primary reason behind the ban lies in Elon Musk’s refusal to comply with multiple court orders that required the platform to take certain actions, such as banning specific accounts associated with disinformation campaigns. This disregard for judicial instructions prompted legal action from Brazilian authorities, culminating in the decision to ban the platform entirely.
Judicial Actions Prior to the Ban
The ban did not occur suddenly; it followed a series of criminal inquiries initiated by Brazil’s Supreme Court related to the platform’s role in the spread of false information from 2020 to 20233. These inquiries paved the way for stringent legal measures against X, as authorities sought to address the broader issue of disinformation on social media.
Unanimous Decision by the Supreme Court
The Brazilian Supreme Court upheld the ban in a unanimous decision, reflecting a strong legal consensus on the matter among court officials. This collective backing underscores the seriousness with which the court views the need to regulate social media platforms operating within its jurisdiction.
Financial Penalties
In addition to the ban, Brazil has introduced severe penalties for accessing the platform within its borders. Such actions can lead to fines amounting to 50,000 reais (approximately £6,760) for continued non-compliance by the operators of X. This financial consequence is intended to deter efforts to circumvent the ban and reinforce the rule of law.