X, the platform previously known as Twitter, has announced the immediate shutdown of all business operations in Brazil, following escalating tensions with Alexandre de Moraes, a Supreme Federal Court justice and head of the Superior Electoral Court. This decision comes after de Moraes allegedly threatened to arrest an X legal representative for not complying with content removal orders.
While business activities have ceased, the platform remains accessible to users in Brazil. X claims that adhering to de Moraes’ orders would violate multiple national and international laws.
In response, X owner Elon Musk has openly criticized the actions of de Moraes, framing them as a threat to democracy.
This move follows months of conflict between Musk and Brazilian authorities, particularly regarding alleged censorship demands involving former President Jair Bolsonaro’s accounts.
The incident underscores the growing clash between global tech companies and national governments over content regulation and free speech.
