Brazil Ends X Ban After Elon Musk Backs Down

Topline

Brazil on Tuesday lifted a ban on X after the Elon Musk-owned social media platform complied with orders from the country’s supreme court, ending a monthslong dispute with Musk, who previously denounced the orders as censorship before recently backing down.

Key Facts

Brazilian Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ruled Tuesday that X had met “all the necessary requirements” for its return after complying with his orders, Reuters reported.

X—suspended by Brazil on Aug. 31—reportedly met Moraes’ orders last month, including paying fines, naming a new representative in the country and blocking accounts accused of engaging in disinformation at the request of Brazil’s Supreme Court.

X did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment, though the company’s global government affairs unit said in a statement last month the social media platform was “committed to protecting free speech” as it recognizes and respects “the sovereignty of the countries in which we operate.”

What To Watch For

Moraes’ ruling allows X to come back online in Brazil in the next 24 hours, though it’s likely the platform’s return could take more time, according to The New York Times.

Big Number

40 million. That’s the estimated number of Brazilians who used X at least once a month before the platform was blocked, according to the Associated Press.

Key Background

In April, X’s global government affairs page said Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered the platform to ban Brazilian accounts without explaining why. Moraes’ order was part of a probe into “digital militias” accused of circulating disinformation and divisive messaging, The Guardian reported. Musk claimed X was asked to suspend accounts for several Brazilian journalists and members of Brazil’s parliament,” saying Moraes’ orders were the “most draconian demands of any country.” Musk previously suggested X would not comply with Moraes’ orders and called for him to resign before apparently backing down in September. Musk’s satellite internet service Starlink was also brought into the fray, as Musk said the court froze its bank accounts in the country.

Forbes Valuation

We estimate Musk’s net worth at $260.8 billion, largely due to his stakes in Tesla and SpaceX, making him the wealthiest person on earth.

Further Reading