A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has included Elon Musk in an investigation regarding the spread of fake news and alleged obstruction. Justice Alexandre de Moraes accused Musk of conducting a “disinformation campaign” and announced a separate investigation into him for obstructing justice.
Musk is being probed for intentionally using his social media platform X to spread defamatory fake news and threats against Supreme Court justices. The justice system in Brazil has faced criticism for overstepping boundaries to curb free speech, but defenders argue that it is necessary to combat threats to democracy, as seen in the country’s recent uprising.
Musk, known for his support of free speech, publicly declared that X would not comply with court orders to block certain accounts, risking legal consequences. Despite his defiance, Moraes warned of fines for each account reactivated by X and emphasized the importance of respecting court orders.
Brazil’s attorney general called for regulations on social media platforms to prevent foreign billionaires from disregarding the rule of law. As the situation unfolds, tensions rise between Musk and the Brazilian legal system, highlighting the challenges of balancing free speech with the rule of law.