Brazilian Supreme Court Orders Twitter to Explain Streaming of Blocked Accounts

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has ordered Twitter, recently rebranded as X, to explain within five days why it allowed the live streaming of accounts that had been blocked by the judiciary. The order is part of an ongoing legal battle between the social media platform and the Brazilian government over content moderation and the blocking of certain accounts.

Justice Moraes has included Twitter owner Elon Musk as a target in an investigation into the dissemination of fake news and has opened a separate inquiry into Musk for alleged obstruction of justice. A report by Brazil's federal police showed that accounts on Twitter that local courts had ordered blocked were still active on the platform as of early April, contradicting a previous statement by the company.

Musk accused Moraes of suppressing free speech and violating Brazil's constitution. He stated that Twitter would cease complying with court orders to block accounts. In response, Moraes warned that each blocked account reactivated by Twitter would result in a daily fine of 100,000 reais (approximately $20,000) and that those responsible would be held legally accountable for disobeying a court order.

Why this matters: The clash between Musk's stance on free speech and Brazil's efforts to combat misinformation on social media has significant implications for both the company and the country. The outcome of this high-profile case could set a precedent for how social media platforms operate in Brazil and how they balance free expression with the need to curb the spread of fake news.

Moraes is also leading investigations into alleged "digital militias" accused of spreading fake news and hate messages during the government of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, as well as an inquiry into an alleged coup attempt by Bolsonaro. The U.S. House Judiciary Committee has published Brazilian court documents detailing Moraes' legal campaign against Twitter and Musk, revealing that the courts have ordered the suspension of over 150 politically dissident accounts, raising concerns about potential interference in Brazil's last election and similar policies in the United States.

Justice Moraes has given Twitter representatives until Friday to comment on the non-compliances highlighted in the federal police report. The implications of his decision for Musk and Twitter are being closely watched, as the brewing dispute may also have consequences for Musk's Starlink satellites that provide internet service to remote regions of Brazil.

Key Takeaways

• Brazilian judge orders Twitter (X) to explain blocked accounts reactivation.
• Musk accused of suppressing free speech, warned of fines for non-compliance.
• Moraes investigating Musk and Twitter over fake news, obstruction of justice.
• Dispute has implications for Twitter's operations and Musk's Starlink in Brazil.
• Case could set precedent for social media regulation and free speech in Brazil.