Ernesto Araújo, former Brazilian Foreign Minister, is calling on the Biden administration to speak out against the country’s ban on the social media platform known as X. He believes that the U.S. has a responsibility to advocate for democracy, freedom, and the rule of law in the hemisphere. The ban on X is seen as part of a broader pattern of curtailing basic rights and undermining democracy in Brazil. The ban was imposed by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes after the platform failed to appoint a legal representative in the country and refused to comply with orders to ban certain accounts linked to an alleged coup attempt.
Elon Musk, the outspoken owner of X, has criticized the ban and accused Justice Moraes of attacking free speech. Musk believes the ban violates the Brazilian constitution and is politically motivated. Despite these concerns, the White House and the U.S. State Department have remained silent on the issue. Araújo believes that the U.S. has a responsibility to stand up for freedom and democracy in the region and should support those who are fighting for these values in Brazil. The ban on X has sparked protests in Brazil, with many users switching to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads.
The ban on X has raised fears that other platforms and services could also be targeted by the Brazilian courts if they are deemed threatening. Additionally, some critics worry about Brazil’s growing ties with authoritarian regimes like China, Russia, and Iran. Araújo warns that the current administration in Brazil, led by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, may be moving the country away from the values of freedom and democracy. He believes that some in the U.S. State Department and Democratic Party view Lula as an ally, despite his authoritarian tendencies.
Despite the concerns raised by Araújo and other critics, the Biden administration has not commented on the ban of X in Brazil. This silence has been seen as a failure to uphold the values of free speech and democracy that the U.S. is expected to promote. The ban on X has had a significant impact in Brazil, with many users seeking out alternative platforms. Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has become increasingly important in providing access to communities in remote areas of Brazil. The uncertainty surrounding the ban and the government’s actions have created division and worry among Brazilians.
