Social media giant X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced the immediate closure of its office in Brazil.
This decision comes amid an intensifying legal conflict with Brazil’s Supreme Court, specifically targeting Justice Alexandre de Moraes, according to Reuters.
The platform, owned by Elon Musk, is embroiled in a dispute over alleged censorship orders that threaten both freedom of expression and the safety of its employees.
Legal Battle and Alleged Censorship
The closure of X’s Brazilian office follows a secret order issued by Justice de Moraes, demanding the removal of certain posts on the platform.
These posts, according to de Moraes, were linked to “digital militias” spreading misinformation and hate speech during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro.
De Moraes’s order threatened a daily fine of approximately $3,650 and the arrest of X’s Brazilian representative, Rachel Nova Conceicao, if the platform did not comply.
In response, X made the controversial decision to share the order publicly on its platform, accusing the judge of illegal censorship and overreach.
Musk himself took to X, declaring the company had no choice but to close its Brazil operations if it was to maintain its principles.
He further criticized de Moraes, stating, “No question that Moraes needs to leave,” escalating the already heated confrontation.
Despite the office closure, X confirmed that the platform will remain accessible to users in Brazil.
