X to be restored in Brazil in 24 hours, rules Justice Alexandre de Moraes

Social media platform X will return to operation in Brazil within 24 hours, according to an Oct. 8 ruling by Justice Alexandre de Moraes.

The platform was blocked on Aug. 30 for failing to comply with Brazilian court orders related to an investigation into the spread of misinformation in the country.

“I hereby order the end of the suspension and authorize the immediate resumption of activities by X Brasil Internet Ltda. within the national territory. I also instruct Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency) to take the necessary steps to implement this measure, with a report to this Supreme Court within 24 (twenty-four) hours,” the Justice wrote in his translated ruling.

The payment of the fine was confirmed on Oct. 7 following unusual circumstances. On Oct. 4, the funds related to the penalties imposed by Justice Alexandre de Moraes for irregularities on the social network were mistakenly deposited into the wrong bank account.

Last week, the proceeds paid by Elon Musk’s satellite company, Starlink, were transferred to the correct account.

After months of ignoring court orders and controversy surrounding the social network, Musk’s platform has begun taking steps to comply with local regulations.

In the last few weeks, X appointed a new legal representative in the country, as required by local laws, and banned the accounts of users accused of spreading misinformation and fake news about Brazil’s electoral process and judicial system.

Justice Moraes has been investigating X since 2023 for its alleged role in promoting and facilitating the spread of misinformation in Brazil. Musk is also under investigation, facing charges of obstruction of justice, participation in a criminal organization, and incitement to crime.

Behind the imbroglio was the latest presidential election in Brazil. In January 2023, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro seized government buildings in a coup attempt, calling for a reversal of the election results — on grounds similar to the Jan. 6 events in Washington, DC, in the United States.

The Brazilian Supreme Court and Moraes blamed Bolsonaro for the civil unrest, which was allegedly sparked by misinformation and fake news.

After threats of suspension in the country, X announced in August that it was closing its operations in Brazil but that the service would remain operational for all its Brazilian users. The decision escalated the dispute with the Supreme Court, leading to the platform’s total ban just a few days later.

Musk has openly criticized Justice Moraes, accusing him of using “illegal” tactics to pressure X into censoring content. The billionaire previously called Moraes “evil” and a “dictator,” arguing that the court’s actions were politically motivated censorship.

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