The social network X faces hefty new fine after defying ban ordered by a judge.
Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered X to block access to its website or face a daily fine of over $900,000. Despite a previous ban, the social network, formerly known as Twitter, reinstated its service, prompting the court’s action. X claimed the restoration was unintentional, but the government accused the company of deliberate disobedience.
Judge Alexandre de Moraes imposed a daily fine until X complies with the suspension order, threatening the social media platform with significant penalties. X, with over 22 million users in Brazil, is at the center of a debate on freedom of expression and the responsibilities of social networks.
The judge’s ruling also affected Elon Musk’s satellite internet operator Starlink, freezing their assets. X’s history of bans in countries like China and Venezuela reflects ongoing issues with content moderation and compliance with local regulations.
Why has Brazil banned X?
Brazil’s ban on X stemmed from concerns over fake news and hate speech, with the government demanding action on accounts spreading misinformation. Musk’s resistance to blocking accounts led to legal repercussions, highlighting the challenges foreign companies face in navigating Brazilian laws.