Brazilian Supreme Court to Shut Down Elon Musk's Platform X

Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered the shutdown of Elon Musk's social media platform X for failing to appoint a legal representative in Brazil. Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Musk have been in a months-long feud over X's refusal to block accounts spreading fake news and hate messages.

Brazil's Supreme Court justice has mandated the telecommunications regulator, Anatel, to shut down Elon Musk's social media platform X immediately. This decisive move comes after months of public conflict between Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Musk, who reportedly did not appoint a legal representative in Brazil, thereby defying legal orders.

The legal battle reached a peak when Moraes accused X of non-compliance in blocking accounts allegedly spreading 'fake news' and hate speech. Musk's entity previously closed its Brazil offices, citing judicial 'censorship,' though the platform remained operational. Moraes has also frozen financial assets of Musk's Starlink to cover fines totaling 18.5 million reais for ignoring court directives.

Under local internet laws, social media firms must have a country-based representative. Anatel has initiated notifying carriers to block X, which may take hours or days. As Brazil approaches crucial municipal elections, the shutdown could impact political communication, with opinions divided on whether the move upholds the law or suppresses free speech.

(With inputs from agencies.)