Brazil’s attorney general, Jorge Messias, has called for social media platforms in the country to be regulated following Elon Musk’s refusal to comply with a court order banning certain accounts on X. The attorney general emphasized the need for social networks to be regulated as billionaires like Musk, who are based abroad, should not have the power to violate the rule of law and threaten authorities by disobeying court orders. Brazil’s Supreme Court described Musk’s actions as a flagrant obstruction of justice and stated that he should be investigated by the police.
Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes announced that he would open an inquiry into Musk, who is known for his stance on free speech and has relaxed X’s content moderation policies. This incident is the latest clash between Musk and authorities worldwide, with Musk being defiant against the regulations imposed. Brazilian lawmaker Orlando Silva also expressed disapproval of Musk’s actions and announced plans to propose a responsibilities regime for digital platforms, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judicial system.
X’s global government affairs team shared that they were forced to block certain popular accounts in Brazil due to court orders and faced threats of daily fines for non-compliance. They expressed concerns regarding the constitutionality of the orders and noted their intention to challenge them legally. The Supreme Court’s decision to block the accounts was a part of an investigation into digital militias spreading misinformation and inciting crime during former President Jair Bolsonaro’s government, linking social media platforms to national security concerns.
The role of social media platforms as catalysts for unrest was highlighted by the riots that occurred in Brazil in January last year, reminiscent of the January 6, 2021 insurrection in the United States. Musk accused Justice Moraes of being behind the ban and criticized the court’s decision as aggressive censorship that violates the law and will of the Brazilian people. He threatened to defy the court’s order, risking revenue loss in Brazil and potential closure of X’s office in the country, citing the importance of upholding principles over profits.
Musk has faced criticism for accommodating government censorship demands in the past, with X being compelled to block accounts in Turkey to comply with the government’s requests before contesting the orders in court. This highlights the complex relationship between social media platforms, free speech, government regulations, and national security concerns. The ongoing tensions between tech giants like Musk and authorities reflect broader debates surrounding online freedom of expression and the limits of what constitutes acceptable content on digital platforms.
