In a dramatic turn, X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has announced it is ceasing its operations in Brazil, though users in the country will still be able to access the service. This move comes against the backdrop of a heated legal clash with Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been pushing for the removal of certain accounts linked to election disinformation and so-called "digital militias."
X's decision follows threats from Moraes to arrest the company’s legal representatives in Brazil if it did not comply with his orders for censorship. The company stated in a post from its global government affairs account that to ensure the safety of its Brazilian staff, it had no choice but to halt its local operations.
Despite the operational shutdown, X reassured users that the platform itself will remain active for Brazilian audiences. The controversy centers around Moraes’s attempts to block several accounts, including those of a pastor, a current Parliamentarian, and the spouse of a former Parliamentarian, as part of a broader crackdown on misinformation.
This conflict is further complicated by Elon Musk’s involvement. Earlier this year, Musk defied a court order to restrict certain accounts, only to reverse his stance amid mounting pressure. Musk has publicly criticized Moraes and called for his resignation, aligning with supporters of Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who himself faces political exclusion due to allegations of undermining the 2022 election.
In its latest statement, X emphasized that its Brazilian employees are not involved in content moderation decisions and framed the situation as a choice between supporting democracy or Moraes’s demands. The company’s stance reflects a broader debate over freedom of speech and digital governance, highlighting the tensions between global tech platforms and national legal frameworks.
