Elon Musk poses a danger to Brazil’s democracy | Opinions

Elon Musk, the South African billionaire owner of X, has been locked in a battle with Justice Alexandre de Moraes of Brazil’s Supreme Court, claiming to defend free speech for Brazilians on social media. Despite Musk’s claims, his actions have not advanced freedom of expression in Brazil, showcasing the dangers tech leaders pose to democracy when they operate outside the law.

The conflict began in January 2023 after a far-right coup attempt induced by social media falsehoods. Justice Moraes legally ordered X to remove accounts inciting violence. Musk, labeling these actions as attacks on free speech, disregarded Brazilian laws and publicly clashed with Moraes.

Musk’s refusal to comply with court orders and his provocative remarks led to the suspension of X operations in Brazil, affecting 40 million users. The situation highlights a broader issue of tech giants challenging democratic laws under the guise of defending freedom.

This confrontation emphasizes the need to uphold democracy against external influences. Musk’s actions reveal a threat to Brazilian democracy and should be condemned as an attack on freedom and accountability.

The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.