A Brazilian judge has launched an investigation into Elon Musk for obstruction of justice after Musk announced that he would not comply with a court order to remove accounts on his platform X accused of spreading disinformation. Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes stated that the inquiry would examine whether Musk engaged in obstruction, criminal organization, and incitement. De Moraes ordered X to refrain from disobeying judicial orders and warned of fines for each account reinstated in defiance of the court order. Musk then took to X to criticize the judge and called for his resignation or impeachment.
In response to the court order, Musk stated that X would likely lose revenue and potentially have to shut down in Brazil, but he emphasized that principles were more important than profit. Musk also indicated that he would publish information about how the requests from the judge violated Brazilian law. Brazil’s Solicitor General expressed support for De Moraes, highlighting the importance of upholding the rule of law and not allowing foreign billionaires to control social networks in the country.
De Moraes, a prominent figure on Brazil’s high court, has been a polarizing figure in the country due to his efforts to combat disinformation and hate speech online. Many on the left see him as a champion of democracy, while those on the right view him as a threat to democracy. De Moraes has led investigations into former President Jair Bolsonaro, ultimately banning him from running for office for spreading false information about the electoral system. Musk had previously met with Bolsonaro and received praise from the former president for his efforts to provide internet access to remote areas in Brazil through his Starlink satellites.
The escalating dispute between Musk and De Moraes raises questions about the role of tech billionaires in the regulation of online content and the balance between freedom of speech and accountability. Musk’s defiance of the court order and criticism of the judge have put him at odds with the Brazilian legal system, leading to a potential investigation for obstruction of justice. The outcome of the inquiry and Musk’s actions in response to the court order will likely have implications for the regulation of social media platforms in Brazil and elsewhere, as well as the relationship between tech moguls and national sovereignty.
