Aug 31, 2024 - Business

Elon Musk pushes back on Brazil X block

Lauren Floyd

The logo of X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, displayed on a smartphone in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Aug. 31, 2024. Photo: Tuane Fernandes/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter, was blocked in Brazil early Saturday after the social media platform missed a high court deadline to appoint a legal representative in the country, per multiple news outlets.

Why it matters: The country has ramped up efforts to fight misinformation online as an ongoing fued between Musk and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes drags on for months.

Musk has accused Moraes of "censorship."

"𝕏 is the most used news source in Brazil. It is what the people want," the billionaire said early Saturday on X.

Zoom in: Moraes ordered X's suspension on Friday and said it would remain in effect until all fines were paid and a company representative was appointed in Brazil.

What he's saying: "We have a right to defend fundamental rights," Moraes said in a speech Reuters covered on Friday. "Those who violate democracy, who violate fundamental human rights, whether in person or through social media, must be held accountable."

The justice didn't reference X or the decision in the speech.

Go deeper: Brazil judge orders suspension of X amid standoff with Musk

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Elon Musk pushes back on Brazil X block

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