In a recent decision, Brazil’s Supreme Court has reinstated Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, after a suspension that lasted over a month. Justice Alexandre de Moraes approved the restoration following X’s adherence to the requirements set forth by the court.
The platform was banned on August 30, 2024, amid an ongoing dispute regarding issues of free speech, far-right accounts, and the spread of misinformation. The suspension followed several months of conflict with Musk, who openly criticized De Moraes, referring to him as an “authoritarian” and a “censor,” even labeling him “Voldemort” and a “fake judge” during the initial ban.
The Brazilian Supreme Court announced that X had met the conditions laid out by Minister De Moraes, allowing the platform to resume operations for Brazilian users.
Despite previously shutting down its offices in Brazil and laying off its staff, the platform, which boasts an estimated user base of 20 to 40 million in the country, has since paid a fine of nearly $5 million, agreed to block specific accounts, and appointed a legal representative in Brazil.
In a statement, X expressed its commitment, saying, “X is proud to return to Brazil. Giving tens of millions of Brazilians access to our indispensable platform was paramount throughout this entire process. We will continue to defend freedom of speech, within the boundaries of the law, everywhere we operate.”