Brazil’s Supreme Court has officially lifted the ban on social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, a decision that follows a series of legal disputes over misinformation and compliance with Brazilian laws. The ruling was made by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who stated that the “immediate return” of X’s activities in the country was authorized after the platform addressed the court’s concerns.
Platform, owned by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has paid fines totaling 28 million reais (approximately $5.1 million or £3.8 million) and has taken steps to block accounts accused of disseminating misinformation. This compliance with judicial directives was crucial for the reinstatement of its services in Brazil.
Justice Moraes had initially blocked access to X due to its refusal to prohibit certain profiles that were allegedly spreading false information regarding the contentious 2022 Brazilian presidential election. In response to this ruling, X’s operations in Brazil came to a halt, impacting over 20 million users in the country. Following the suspension, many users turned to alternative platforms like Bluesky, while demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) surged as users sought to bypass restrictions.
In a notable turn of events, Musk’s company had previously defied court orders, culminating in the closure of X’s Brazilian office and the termination of local staff in late August. Musk, a self-proclaimed “free-speech absolutist,” criticized Justice Moraes’ actions as an infringement on free speech and an abuse of judicial power. Following the court’s directive to block dozens of accounts, the situation escalated to a complete ban on the platform.
However, in September, X began to align with the court’s demands, marking a significant shift in its approach. The company stated that complying with local laws and maintaining access for Brazilian users were paramount.
On Tuesday, X announced its return to Brazil, expressing pride in re-establishing access to millions of users. The company’s government affairs team emphasized the importance of providing a platform for the Brazilian populace and highlighted its commitment to adhering to local regulations.
Brazil represents one of X’s largest markets globally, with an estimated 22 million users in the country. The resolution of this legal conflict not only restores access to a major social media platform but also highlights ongoing challenges technology companies face in navigating local laws and regulations regarding content moderation and misinformation.
As Brazil’s telecoms watchdog, Anatel has been instructed to ensure that X’s services are fully operational within 24 hours, implications of this decision extend beyond the platform itself, potentially influencing how social media companies approach compliance and regulation in diverse markets.
