Brazil Judge Warns Big Tech After Suspending Elon Musk’s X

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has warned tech companies to comply with Brazilian laws or risk losing their right to operate in the country.

Moraes recently suspended X, formerly known as Twitter and owned by Elon Musk, for failing to meet local legal requirements.

Speaking at an event marking the second anniversary of the January 8 riots in Brazil, Moraes said, “In Brazil, companies will only continue to operate if they respect Brazilian legislation, regardless of the rant of Big Tech managers.”

Meta’s Changes Raise Questions

Although Moraes did not name specific companies, his comments came after Meta announced changes to its fact-checking program in the United States. Brazilian prosecutors are now investigating whether these changes will affect Brazil.

Prosecutors have given Meta 30 days to clarify how the suspension of its US fact-checking program might impact efforts to combat misinformation in Brazil.

X Suspension in Brazil

On August 30, 2024, Moraes ordered the suspension of X for failing to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, a requirement under local law. This led to a complete shutdown of the platform in the country.

Tech companies like Apple and Google, along with internet service providers, blocked access to X. Millions of Brazilians were unable to use the platform. The suspension was upheld by Brazil’s Supreme Court, sparking criticism from Elon Musk, who called the decision censorship.

What’s Next for Big Tech in Brazil?

Moraes’ warning highlights the growing tension between governments and tech giants over issues like misinformation, hate speech, and legal compliance.

Companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Meta now face increased scrutiny as Brazil strengthens its stance on regulating digital platforms.