In an unexpected turn of events, Brazil has boldly banned Twitter, now known as X, from operating within its borders.

Starlink too.

Brazil is freezing every Elon Asset in Brazil and shutting down Twitter today.

This decision marks the culmination of a heated and prolonged conflict between Elon Musk, the platform’s owner, and Brazil’s judiciary, led by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The ban underscores the ongoing global debate over the limits of free speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms in curbing harmful content.

And Brazil isn’t just shutting down Twitter: They are shutting down Elon’s Starlink and access to Starlink/X bank Accounts. Like, today.

• The order followed the expiration of a court-imposed deadline for X to identify a legal representative in Brazil.
• This action is part of an ongoing conflict between Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Elon Musk.
• Previously, the court also froze the financial accounts of the satellite internet provider Starlink in Brazil.
• De Moraes ordered:
  • The full and immediate suspension of X until all court orders are complied with.
  • Payment of fines totaling 18.5 million reais ($3.28 million).
  • Nomination of a legal representative in Brazil.
• The telecommunications regulator Anatel was instructed to implement the suspension and report back to the court within 24 hours.
• To prevent circumvention via virtual private networks (VPNs), fines of up to 50,000 reais ($8,900) per day were set for individuals or companies attempting to maintain access.
• X anticipated the shutdown order after failing to meet the deadline for identifying a legal representative.
• Earlier, de Moraes had ordered X to block certain accounts involved in investigations of “digital militias” spreading false news and hate.
• Elon Musk criticized the order as censorship and responded by closing X’s offices in Brazil, though the platform remained available.
• Amid the conflict over X, Brazil’s Supreme Court also blocked Starlink’s local bank accounts, prompting the company to request a suspension of that decision.

Brazil is banning all things Elon.

LOL. pic.twitter.com/JpXZTYOAQR

— Dean Blundell🇨🇦 (@ItsDeanBlundell) August 31, 2024

The Roots of the Conflict

The conflict between Elon Musk and Brazil’s judicial system has been simmering for months. It began when Justice de Moraes ordered the removal of accounts linked to “digital militias” associated with former President Jair Bolsonaro. These accounts were accused of spreading misinformation and hate speech, contributing to political unrest in Brazil.
Despite initial compliance, Musk announced that X would lift all restrictions on the banned accounts, challenging the Brazilian court’s authority. This defiance led to an investigation into Musk for obstruction of justice, eventually resulting in the court’s decision to ban the platform.

Elon Musk’s Response

Elon Musk’s response to the ban has been both defiant and provocative. He has consistently framed the issue as a matter of free speech, accusing Brazilian authorities of overreach and censorship. Musk’s rhetoric has included personal attacks on Justice de Moraes, whom he depicted in a derogatory manner on social media, further escalating tensions. Musk’s actions have drawn criticism from various quarters, with many accusing him of prioritizing his business interests over the rule of law and the integrity of democratic processes. Critics argue that Musk’s stance on free speech is selective, often aligning with his personal and business interests rather than a genuine commitment to the principle.

For the record, Twitter isn’t a “News” site. It’s an influence-sharing control mechanism and data capture app. All social media apps are. I get a kick out of Elon framing this as if it has anything to do with free speech and the idea that Twitter is a “News” site.

The Broader Implications

The ban on X in Brazil highlights the complex interplay between global tech companies and national governments. On one hand, social media platforms have been criticized for allowing the spread of harmful content, including misinformation and hate speech.

Elon Musk is super freaked out by the arrest of @durov that he can’t sleep, tweeting every 5 minutes about how bad the laws are in EU. Don’t be fooled, thats not support for Durov but it’s the fear kicking in as he will be next. If not EU, the @TheJusticeDept will get him. pic.twitter.com/akldbTcZ3w

— RΛISINI ライシニ (@raisini) August 25, 2024

On the other hand, actions taken by governments to regulate these platforms can be perceived as threats to free expression. Brazil’s decision to ban X reflects a growing trend among countries to hold social media companies accountable for the content they host. It also raises questions about the extent to which foreign-owned platforms can influence domestic politics and the measures countries can take to protect their democratic institutions.

The EU is Next

The European Union (EU) is also working to regulate Elon Musk’s platform due to concerns over disinformation and compliance with the Digital Services Act (DSA).

• Regulatory Concerns:
  • X has been identified as having the highest rate of disinformation among major social media platforms, prompting the EU to demand compliance with new laws targeting fake news and Russian propaganda.
  • The EU has criticized X for its misleading blue verification badges, which are now available to anyone for a fee and potentially allowing malicious users to deceive others.
  • X has been accused of failing to provide transparency in advertising and restricting researchers’ access to data, both of which are required under the DSA.
• Regulatory Actions:
  • The EU has formally charged X with violating the DSA, which could result in significant fines if the platform does not comply with regulations.
  • The European Commission is investigating X’s efforts to combat illegal content and misinformation, focusing on the Community Notes fact-checking feature.
• Potential Outcomes:
  • If X fails to comply with the DSA, it could face penalties amounting to a substantial portion of its global revenue.
  • The EU could impose additional measures such as periodic penalty payments and enhanced supervision if non-compliance continues.
  • Banning X from operating
  • Removing X from app stores across the EU

As a Tesla driver, I think Elon lost his mind to an alternative reality after creating Tesla Plaid. Somewhere around the time, he dreamed up that toaster he called the Cybertruck.

I also think Elon is supporting any candidate and destroying any country he can for his self-interest.

Elon wants those Brazilian lithium mines, so he supports the far-right candidate who he thinks will deliver cheaper access to lithium deposits. Then he sows social unrest to destabilize Brazil to help his far-right lithium dude give Elon what he wants.

That’s why he supports Trump, Putin, XI.

It’s also why he punks Trudeau, England’s PM, and other progressive world leaders.

X is his bully pulpit, and this is why he bought it. He doesn’t care if it makes money. He uses it to control and intimidate countries and leaders into giving him their industries and says it’s his right to stoke fear, hatred, racism, and division through disinformation because of “Free Speech.”