Brazil Lifts Suspension on X, Twitter-Like Platform
After a month-long court-ordered shutdown, X, a Twitter-like platform, has been authorized to resume normal service in Brazil. The Brazilian Supreme Court’s Justice Alexandre de Moraes made the announcement, stating that the platform has complied with the court’s requirements for legal representation, paid a fine, and can now operate freely in the country.
Background
X, formerly known as Twitter, was blocked on August 30 in Brazil due to repeated non-compliance with STF decisions. The shutdown was ordered by Justice Alexandre de Moraes following a lengthy dispute with Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, over issues related to free speech, far-right accounts, misinformation, and the legal requirement of foreign companies to have a named lawyer to represent them before the government.
Compliance with Court Requirements
X ultimately complied with all of de Moraes’ demands, including blocking specific accounts, paying outstanding fines of approximately $5 million, and appointing a legal representative in Brazil. The company’s failure to fulfill the latter requirement led to the platform’s suspension.
New Legal Representative
Rachel Conceicao, a lawyer who works for BR4Business, a business services firm, was named X’s legal representative in April and again on September 20. A new clause has been written into her representation agreement, requiring her to follow Brazilian law and court decisions, and any legal responsibility she assumes on X’s behalf requires prior instruction from the company in writing.
Criticisms and Concerns
Experts have raised concerns about X’s decision to use a legal representative with no employees or office in Brazil. Fabio de Sa e Silva, a lawyer and associate professor of International and Brazilian Studies at the University of Oklahoma, stated that it “doesn’t demonstrate an intention to truly engage with the country.” Carlos Affonso Souza, a lawyer and think tank director in Brazil, expressed similar concerns, saying that it is rare for an established company like X to have only a legal representative and that the concern now is how X will manage to meet the demands of the market and local authorities without creating new tensions.
Elon Musk’s Involvement
The situation is further complicated because Musk is also the owner of Starlink, a satellite telephone service that has many customers in the remoter parts of Brazil. The Brazilian Supreme Court does not accept that X and Starlink are two completely separate businesses, as they are both ultimately under the control of the same individual – Elon Musk.
Conclusion
The Brazilian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the suspension on X marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between the platform and the Brazilian government. While X has complied with the court’s requirements, experts have raised concerns about the company’s decision to use a legal representative with no employees or office in Brazil. The situation will continue to be closely monitored as X resumes normal service in Brazil.
FAQs
Q: Why was X suspended in Brazil?
A: X was suspended due to repeated non-compliance with STF decisions, including issues related to free speech, far-right accounts, misinformation, and the legal requirement of foreign companies to have a named lawyer to represent them before the government.
Q: What are the conditions for X to resume normal service in Brazil?
A: X must comply with Brazilian legislation and “absolute observance of the decisions of the Judiciary, in respect of national sovereignty.” The company must also appoint a legal representative in Brazil and pay outstanding fines.
Q: Who is X’s new legal representative in Brazil?
A: Rachel Conceicao, a lawyer who works for BR4Business, a business services firm, was named X’s legal representative in April and again on September 20.
Q: Why is there concern about X’s decision to use a legal representative with no employees or office in Brazil?
A: Experts have raised concerns that it “doesn’t demonstrate an intention to truly engage with the country” and that it is rare for an established company like X to have only a legal representative.
Q: Is Elon Musk involved in both X and Starlink?
A: Yes, Elon Musk is the owner of both X and Starlink, which has many customers in the remoter parts of Brazil. The Brazilian Supreme Court does not accept that X and Starlink are two completely separate businesses, as they are both ultimately under the control of the same individual – Elon Musk.