Brazilian Judge's Battle Against Disinformation and Social Media Giants

Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes has ordered the shutdown of Elon Musk's social media platform X in a contentious fight against disinformation. Known for his tough stance on democracy protection, Moraes has faced criticism for his methods, including heavy-handed raids and account freezes against political opponents.

Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes' decision to shut down billionaire Elon Musk's social media platform X is the latest move in his vigorous crusade against disinformation and threats to democracy. Moraes emphasized the need to protect fundamental rights and hold violators accountable, though he did not specifically mention X in his statements.

On Friday, Moraes mandated the complete and immediate suspension of X in Brazil, pending compliance with various court orders including fines and the appointment of a legal representative in the country. He tasked telecommunications regulator Anatel with enforcing the shutdown within 24 hours. Musk, also CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, labeled the action as censorship.

Moraes' aggressive approach, including his scrutiny of former President Jair Bolsonaro's administration and social media activities, has garnered both support and criticism. While some see him as a staunch defender of democracy, others accuse him of overstepping judicial boundaries, raising questions about his long-term impact on public opinion.

(With inputs from agencies.)