Brazilian judge orders suspension of X in disinformation battle

The decision, which did not immediately shut the site down, could affect more than 20 million X users in Brazil and deprive the platform of one of its largest and most active markets.

The ruling came days after Musk declined to comply with a request by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, one of the world’s most aggressive prosecutors of disinformation, to reestablish a physical presence in Brazil. Moraes says X needs a representative in this country of 215 million people to respond to government requests to suspend accounts found to be spreading fake news.

Musk has refused, saying anyone he appointed would be exposed to the possibility of arrest. Moraes then froze the bank accounts of Starlink, another Musk company active in Brazil, and gave him 24 hours to name a representative in Brazil.

The 24 hours lapsed Thursday evening, as Musk repeatedly assailed the judge on X.

“Alexandre de Moraes is an evil dictator cosplaying as a judge,” he wrote, “Dictator de Voldemort is absolutely trying to destroy democracy in Brazil.”

The closely watched dispute has made Brazil a key venue in the global debate between free speech and disinformation. Moraes, who is seen by supporters as defending Brazilian democracy, has demanded the removal of accounts that he has accused of undermining Brazil’s institutions. Musk has called the judge a proponent of censorship.

The debate divides not only international observers, but many in Brazil, too, where millions use social media to discuss sports, politics and news.