Elon Musk's X Banned in Brazil Amid Protests Against Justice Alexandre de Moraes

Sep 6, 2024, 06:00 PM

Elon Musk's social media platform, X, has been banned in Brazil following a decision by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The ban, which has drawn significant criticism, is part of a broader crackdown on free speech in the country. Musk and his supporters argue that the ban is an overreach of judicial power and a violation of free speech. The Washington Post Editorial Board has backed Musk, stating that the ban is harmful to free speech. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell has also publicly pleaded with Brazilian authorities to stop harassing Starlink, Musk's satellite internet service, which has also had its assets frozen. The ban includes fines of almost $9,000 per day for those attempting to circumvent it and affects all 220 million Brazilians. The ban has led to widespread protests in Brazil, with thousands of people taking to the streets demanding de Moraes' removal. The protests, led by former president Jair Bolsonaro and the political right, highlight the growing tension over free speech and judicial power in Brazil.