Media Platform X Shuts Down in Brazil Over 'Censorship Orders'

Media platform X announced its immediate shutdown in Brazil, alleging 'censorship orders' by Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes. The company's representatives faced threats of arrest for not complying with orders to remove content. Despite the closure, X's service remains available in Brazil.

Media platform X announced on Saturday its immediate closure of operations in Brazil, citing what it termed as 'censorship orders' from Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes.

The company, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, claims the judge secretly threatened one of its legal representatives with arrest if the platform did not comply with orders to remove specific content.

To back its claims, X shared pictures of an alleged document signed by Moraes, which indicated a daily fine of 20,000 reais ($3,653) and an arrest decree against X representative Rachel Nova Conceicao if compliance was not met. 'To protect the safety of our staff, we have made the decision to close our operation in Brazil, effective immediately,' X stated.

Brazil's Supreme Court, where Moraes sits, declined to comment on the situation or authenticate the document presented by X. Nonetheless, X confirmed the service remains accessible to Brazilian users.

Earlier this year, Moraes mandated X to block certain accounts during his probe into 'digital militias' spreading fake news and hate speech under the government of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Moraes had previously opened an inquiry into Musk after Musk publicly announced plans to reactivate accounts the judge had ordered blocked, labeling the judge's actions 'unconstitutional.'

X representatives later assured Brazil's Supreme Court of compliance with the legal rulings, citing 'operational faults' for any non-compliance. However, Musk, in a series of posts on X, lambasted Moraes as an 'utter disgrace to justice' and criticized his 'secret censorship and private information handover demands.'