In a significant ruling, Brazil’s Supreme Court (STF) panel has maintained a previous decision to suspend the former Twitter service, X, across the country. The decision was upheld by a five-judge panel, who voted to restrict access to the platform following a court order issued by Judge Alexandre de Moraes. This order was in response to the refusal of X’s owner, Elon Musk, to comply with court demands to block certain accounts and appoint a legal representative in the country.
Court Decision and Legal Consequences
Judge Alexandre de Moraes issued the ban in response to Musk’s non-compliance with the court’s directive. Four other judges have supported this decision, with Judge Luis Fux being the only one to express reservations about fining individuals who use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the ban. Fux believes that only those who publish criminal content, such as expressions of Nazism or fascism, should be fined.
Impact on Users and Platforms
The ruling has sparked a wave of new account creations on alternative platforms, as users in Brazil seek to bypass the ban on X. News outlet Poder360 reported that for respect of the court’s decision, its X account is now managed by a team based in Portugal.
Starlink’s Compliance and Further Court Actions
Meanwhile, Starlink has informed Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, that it will not comply with the ban until its assets are unfrozen by the court. Despite this, X remains accessible through Starlink services as of the latest reports. According to The New York Times, Judge Alexandre de Moraes has also prohibited Starlink from conducting business in Brazil, while the court seeks to collect the $3 million fine that X has allegedly failed to pay.
Implementation of the Ban
The court’s order requires internet service providers and app stores to take measures within five days to block domestic users’ access to X, with the deadline set for September 4. This directive underscores the court’s seriousness in enforcing the ban and ensuring compliance from all parties involved.
Conclusion
The ongoing saga of X’s suspension in Brazil highlights the tension between global social media platforms and the legal systems of sovereign nations. With the Supreme Court’s decision and the defiance from Starlink, the implications extend beyond the platform’s presence in the country, potentially setting a precedent for future legal challenges in similar contexts. The enforcement of the ban and the subsequent steps by both the platform and the court will continue to shape the digital landscape in Brazil and beyond.
Views: 0