Elon Musk challenges, Brazilian judge immediately orders X to close

The move is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and billionaire Elon Musk, which has included freezing the financial accounts of satellite internet provider Starlink in Brazil.

Earlier this year, Judge Moraes ordered X to block several accounts linked to an investigation into a “digital militia” accused of spreading false and hateful information.

Billionaire Musk, who denounced the order as censorship, responded by threatening to close the platform's offices in Brazil. X, formerly known as Twitter, said at the time that its services would remain available in Brazil.

Photo: Reuters

In the decision, Judge Moraes ordered the immediate and complete suspension of X in the country until all court orders related to X are complied with, including the payment of a fine of up to 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million) and the appointment of a legal representative in Brazil.

Mr Moraes has ordered telecoms regulator Anatel to carry out the suspension order and confirm to the court within 24 hours that it has carried out the order.

In an effort to discourage the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the block, Moraes said individuals or companies that attempt to maintain access to the social network in that way could be fined up to 50,000 reais per day.

Amid the deep disagreement over X, Brazil's Supreme Court also froze the local bank accounts of satellite internet company Starlink, which Musk owns 40% of, prompting the company to ask the court to suspend that decision on Friday.

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters, X)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/elon-musk-thach-thuc-tham-phan-brazil-lap-tuc-ra-lenh-dong-cua-mang-xa-hoi-x-post310084.html