Social media platform X owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk, has been authorized by the Brazilian Supreme Court to restore its services in Brazil following a month-long suspension. Justice Alexandre de Moraes announced the decision on Tuesday, after the platform complied with all necessary court orders aimed at addressing concerns over misinformation and content moderation.
X was blocked in Brazil on August 30, 2024, a country with a population of approximately 213 million and one of X’s largest markets, where user estimates range from 20 to 40 million. The suspension stemmed from a prolonged dispute between Musk and the Brazilian authorities regarding free speech issues, the handling of far-right accounts, and the spread of misinformation.
De Moraes had previously criticized Musk for his dismissive comments about Brazilian laws and governance, labeling him as an authoritarian figure.
The suspension was triggered by X’s failure to comply with several court mandates, including blocking certain accounts linked to hate speech and misinformation campaigns. Musk publicly condemned De Moraes’ actions, calling them authoritarian and accusing him of censorship.
Despite Musk’s initial resistance, X ultimately adhered to the Supreme Court’s demands with the company taking several steps to regain its operational status in the country.
X settled outstanding fines totaling approximately $5.24 million, which had accumulated due to non-compliance with previous court orders.
Justice de Moraes confirmed that these actions were essential for lifting the suspension, stating that compliance was necessary for X to operate within Brazilian jurisdiction.
The Brazilian political environment has been charged since the election of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has faced opposition from supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. The reinstatement of X could provide a platform for various political narratives as both sides prepare for electoral battles.
During X’s suspension, competitors like Meta’s Threads and Bluesky gained traction among Brazilian users. As X resumes operations, it will face challenges in regaining its user base amidst growing competition.
The conflict between Musk’s X and Brazilian authorities highlight tensions surrounding content moderation and free speech on social media platforms. De Moraes has been an advocate for stringent regulations aimed at curbing hate speech and misinformation online, which has drawn criticism from tech companies operating in Brazil.
