Elon Musk's social network X (formerly Twitter) is at the center of an unprecedented controversy in Brazil. Judge Alexandre de Moraes, a member of Brazil's Supreme Court, has ordered the complete suspension of X in the country, citing the company's non-compliance with local laws. This measure, which takes effect in 24 hours, marks a decisive step in the billionaire's conflict with the Brazilian justice system.
It all started when Musk refused to appoint a legal representative for X in Brazil, a requirement of the local jurisdiction. In response, Alexandre de Moraes ordered the blocking of the Brazilian bank accounts of Starlink, another of Musk's companies, and forced Apple and Google to remove the X app from their online stores within five days. At the same time, a daily fine of 50,000 reais (about 8,000 euros) was imposed on those using technological subterfuges, such as VPNs, to continue accessing X, thus increasing the pressure on the American company.
Elon Musk, true to his reputation as an uncompromising defender of free speech, was quick to respond. On X, he denounced "censorship" by the Brazilian state and mocked Judge Alexandre de Moraes by posting an image generated by his artificial intelligence, Grok, depicting a hybrid character between Voldemort and a Sith Lord, meant to embody the Brazilian judge. This provocative gesture is part of a series of actions by Musk aimed at pushing the limits imposed on digital platforms, including the reopening of closed accounts of controversial figures like Donald Trump and 50 Cent.
Grok “Generate an image as if Voldemort and a Sith Lord had a baby and he became a judge in Brazil”
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 29, 2024
It’s uncanny! 🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/aTdVRg9jrw
For Musk, this crisis with the Brazilian justice system isn't just a matter of legal compliance, but a broader fight for what he considers freedom of expression. He recently underscored his commitment to this cause by enabling his AI, Grok, to generate any type of content, including content some deem controversial or even illegal. He believes this type of content is a vital test of the limits of free speech in the digital age.
However, the Brazilian justice system's response was firm: it considered that X's presence on the national territory without a legal representative constituted a serious violation of its laws and sovereignty. Judge de Moraes therefore decided to completely suspend the social network until Musk complied with his demands. The decision also has a significant financial impact, as the company is now required to pay all accumulated fines.
By closing his offices in Brazil and defying court orders, Elon Musk appears to be playing a high-risk game. He is defending his vision of free speech in the face of a stricter interpretation of legality by the Brazilian courts, but at what cost? By refusing to comply with local rules, Musk risks losing access to one of Latin America's largest markets, while also exacerbating tensions with regulators in other countries.
The outcome of this standoff could have repercussions far beyond Brazil's borders. It could define how tech giants operate in democracies where free speech often conflicts with local regulations. As X's blocking becomes effective, Elon Musk continues to provoke and push the envelope, insisting that free speech must transcend national borders and local laws.
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