Brazil has enforced a nationwide block on Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, making it largely inaccessible both online and via its mobile app. The block was implemented early Saturday following the platform’s failure to adhere to a Supreme Court order requiring the appointment of a legal representative in the country.
The legal standoff reached a critical point when Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes imposed a 24-hour deadline for X to comply with the order. After X missed the deadline, Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, directed internet service providers to suspend access to the platform. Major operators began enforcing the block as of midnight local time.
This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Elon Musk and Justice de Moraes. The dispute centers on issues of free speech, the handling of far-right accounts, and the spread of misinformation on the platform. Justice de Moraes accused Musk of showing “total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty” and ordered that the platform remain suspended until it meets the court’s requirements.
In addition to blocking access to X, the Brazilian authorities have frozen the bank accounts of Musk’s satellite internet provider, Starlink, in the country. The court also imposed a daily fine of 50,000 reais (approximately $8,900) for individuals or companies attempting to access X through VPNs.
With roughly 40 million monthly users, Brazil represents one of X’s largest markets. Since Musk acquired the platform, it has faced numerous challenges, including a significant decline in advertising revenue.
X’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, responded to the situation, expressing regret over the block. “This is a sad day for X users around the world, especially those in Brazil, who are being denied access to our platform,” she stated.