X Faces Final Fine Before Ban Lift in Brazil #

Brazil’s supreme court justice has ruled that X must pay one last fine before its ban in the country is lifted. The social media platform, owned by Elon Musk, was suspended nationwide in late August, with the decision upheld by a panel of judges in early September.

Earlier this month, X submitted documentation to Brazil’s supreme court stating it is now in compliance with previously defied court orders. The platform is now required to pay a new fine of approximately $2 million for two additional days of non-compliance. Additionally, X’s legal representative in Brazil must pay a separate fine.

The case stems from April when the supreme court minister initiated an investigation into Musk and X over alleged obstruction of justice. Musk had publicly vowed to defy court orders to remove certain accounts in Brazil, describing the actions as censorship and criticizing the judge involved.

In mid-August, X closed its offices in Brazil, leaving the company without a legal representative in the country, which is a federal requirement for tech platforms operating there. By late August, the court threatened a ban and fines if X didn’t appoint a legal representative within 24 hours and comply with takedown requests for accounts allegedly involved in plots to harm federal agents.

The supreme court also froze the business assets of Musk’s companies operating in Brazil, including X and Starlink. Musk responded by threatening reciprocal seizure of government assets.

The head of the supreme court has long supported federal regulations to control hate speech and misinformation online, facing pushback from tech companies and far-right officials in the country.

While Musk portrays himself as a free speech advocate, X has complied with government takedown requests in other countries. The platform faces increased competition in Brazil from other social apps that have gained users during its suspension.

A Brazilian law professor noted that the court’s actions against X are likely to change how large technology companies view the court, emphasizing that laws will be applied regardless of a business’s size or reach in the country.

X’s Global Government Affairs team released a statement affirming the company’s commitment to protecting free speech within legal boundaries and respecting the sovereignty of countries where it operates. The statement also emphasized the importance of X access for a thriving democracy in Brazil.