A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has issued an ultimatum to X, formerly Twitter, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, demanding the appointment of a legal representative in Brazil within 24 hours. This move comes amidst an ongoing dispute between the platform and Justice Alexandre de Moraes over issues related to free speech and misinformation.
Earlier this year, X clashed with de Moraes over content associated with the far-right and allegations of spreading misinformation. The company has accused the justice of censorship and claimed to be a victim of unfair treatment.
In response to the escalating tensions, X recently announced the immediate removal of all remaining Brazil staff, citing threats made by de Moraes against its legal representative in the country.
The Supreme Court has warned X that failure to comply with the justice's order could result in the suspension of the platform's operations in Brazil. This threat underscores the high stakes involved in the ongoing conflict between the two parties.
Unlike the United States, where free speech is protected as a constitutional right, Brazil has stricter regulations in place. De Moraes had previously initiated investigations against Musk for alleged dissemination of defamatory fake news and other potential legal violations.
The justice's actions have sparked a debate in Brazil, with critics accusing him of overstepping his authority and targeting free speech. However, supporters argue that de Moraes' interventions are necessary to safeguard democracy and uphold the rule of law.
As the situation continues to unfold, the future of X's operations in Brazil remains uncertain, pending a resolution to the ongoing dispute with the Brazilian Supreme Court.
For more updates on developments in Latin America and the Caribbean, visit AP's coverage.
