Elon Musk's X Faces Legal Reckoning in Brazil Amid Misinformation Controversy

After months of defying court orders and facing controversy, Elon Musk's social network, X, has started taking steps to comply with local regulations in Brazil. Recently, the platform appointed a new legal representative in the country, as mandated by local laws, and has begun banning accounts of users accused of spreading misinformation and fake news related to Brazil’s electoral process and judicial system.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been investigating X since 2023 for its alleged role in promoting misinformation during Brazil's presidential elections. Musk himself is facing serious charges, including obstruction of justice, involvement in a criminal organization, and incitement to crime.

This scrutiny intensified following the January 2023 coup attempt, where supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed government buildings, demanding a reversal of election results. This incident drew parallels to the January 6 events in the U.S. The Brazilian Supreme Court, alongside Justice Moraes, held Bolsonaro accountable for the unrest, attributing it to misinformation spread on platforms like X.

In August, amid threats of suspension, X announced it would close its operations in Brazil while still allowing Brazilian users to access the service. This decision further escalated tensions with the Supreme Court, leading to a total ban on the platform shortly thereafter.

Musk has publicly criticized Justice Moraes, accusing him of employing “illegal” methods to pressure X into censoring content. He has referred to Moraes as “evil” and a “dictator,” claiming that the court’s actions amount to politically motivated censorship.