X says it is closing Brazilian operations ‘effective immediately’

SAO PAULO: Media platform X said on Saturday it would close its operations in Brazil “effective immediately” due to what it called “censorship orders” from Brazilian judge Alexandre de Moraes. Furthermore, as X closing Brazilian operations unfolds, industry experts are evaluating the long-term effects. #XClosingBrazilianOperations

X alleges that Moraes threatened one of its legal representatives with arrest if it failed to comply with content removal orders. This claim involves a legal dispute in Brazil. However, Brazil’s Supreme Court, where Moraes serves, has yet to respond to the request for comment.

The X service remains available to the people of Brazil, billionaire Elon Musk’s platform said on Saturday.

Earlier this year, Moraes directed X to block specific accounts. He is investigating “digital militias” linked to fake news and hate messages. These militias were active during former President Jair Bolsonaro’s government.

Moraes opened an inquiry earlier this year into the billionaire after Musk said he would reactivate accounts on X that the judge had ordered blocked. Musk has called the Moraes’ decisions regarding X “unconstitutional.”

After Musk’s challenges, X representatives reversed course and told Brazil’s Supreme Court that the social media giant would comply with the legal rulings.

Lawyers representing X in Brazil in April told the Supreme Court that “operational faults” have allowed users who were ordered blocked to stay active on the social media platform, after Moraes had asked X to explain why it allegedly had not fully complied with his decision. #XClosingBrazilianOperations

Consequently, stakeholders are keenly observing how this decision will affect X’s market presence and overall performance.

Moreover, X closing Brazilian operations highlights the company’s shift in focus to other regions. The closure could reshape competitive dynamics in the region, influencing both local and international market trends.
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