X (formerly Twitter) poised to resume operations in Brazil amid legal dispute

Elon Musk's social networking platform could return to Brazil if it agrees to pay an additional $1.9 million fine, following a legal battle over election misinformation.

By  Storyboard18Sep 30, 2024 9:20 AM
X (formerly Twitter) poised to resume operations in Brazil amid legal dispute
In a recent shift, X agreed to comply with some of Brazil's demands by blocking the contentious accounts, paying the fines, and appointing a legal representative within the country. (Image source: The Hill)

X, the social network previously known as Twitter, may soon be back online in Brazil if it agrees to pay a new fine of 10 million reais ($1.9 million), as mandated by Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, as per reports by Reuters and other publications.

This comes in addition to an earlier fine of 18.3 million reais ($3.4 million), which prompted Brazilian authorities to freeze accounts associated with X and Elon Musk's satellite company, Starlink.

The court's order follows a lengthy legal battle over misinformation related to Brazil's elections, with Moraes accusing certain X accounts of spreading false information.

Despite Musk's vocal opposition to the court's actions - even suggesting that Moraes should step down or face impeachment - X eventually shut down operations in Brazil, leading to its ban from the country at the end of August. This move fuelled a rise in popularity for rival platforms such as Bluesky.

In a recent shift, X agreed to comply with some of Brazil's demands by blocking the contentious accounts, paying the fines, and appointing a legal representation within the country.

However, the company's apparent circumvention of the ban earlier this month - reportedly due to a "coincidental" switch to Cloudflare infrastructure - has led Moraes to impose an additional fine.

X's Global Government Affairs account appeared to acknowledge the company's decision to comply, posting, "We recognize and respect the sovereignty of the countries in which we operate," while emphasizing the importance of providing access to Brazilian users for "a thriving democracy."

First Published on Sep 30, 2024 9:20 AM

More from Storyboard18

Brand Marketing

Warner Bros. Discovery revives HBO Max name in strategic rebrand

Warner Bros. Discovery revives HBO Max name in strategic rebrand

Brand Makers

EaseMyTrip founder flags security flaw in rival travel site, claims China link

EaseMyTrip founder flags security flaw in rival travel site, claims China link

Advertising

The Belgian Court rules against 'Transparency & Consent Framework'; terms it as 'illegal'

The Belgian Court rules against 'Transparency & Consent Framework'; terms it as 'illegal'

Brand Marketing

Amazon's Project Kuiper writes to DoT; seeks swift entry into India's satellite internet market

Amazon's Project Kuiper writes to DoT; seeks swift entry into India's satellite internet market

Digital

Google Engineer responds to Microsoft layoffs, says 'Tech pays 5x more than government jobs’

Google Engineer responds to Microsoft layoffs, says 'Tech pays 5x more than government jobs’

Advertising

AI vs. Agencies: Mark Zuckerberg's vision of ad disruption sparks debate in India

AI vs. Agencies: Mark Zuckerberg's vision of ad disruption sparks debate in India

Brand Marketing

Zepto bets big on data with Zepto Atom, aims to redefine brand strategy

Zepto bets big on data with Zepto Atom, aims to redefine brand strategy

Digital

Microsoft lays off 6,000 in AI restructuring drive; director speaks out

Microsoft lays off 6,000 in AI restructuring drive; director speaks out