X Faces Potential Ban in Brazil After Missing Legal Deadline

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, is bracing for a potential ban in Brazil after missing a critical deadline to appoint a new legal representative in the country. The platform announced that it expects to be blocked following a standoff with Brazil’s Supreme Court. The conflict began when Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered the suspension of multiple X accounts, accusing them of spreading disinformation. X owner Elon Musk reacted strongly, vowing to reactivate the suspended accounts and criticizing Judge Moraes as a "tyrant" and "dictator."

The situation escalated when X failed to comply with a court order to name a new legal representative within 24 hours. The deadline passed, and X has not met the demand. In a statement, X expressed its refusal to comply with what it termed "illegal orders" and warned that a shutdown in Brazil was imminent.

Justice Moraes has ordered that the ban on X will remain in effect until the company names a legal representative and pays fines for allegedly violating Brazilian law. The judge has also taken action against other companies owned by Musk, including freezing the bank accounts of Starlink, a satellite internet firm under Musk's SpaceX. This legal clash highlights the ongoing tension between social media platforms and governmental authorities in Brazil, particularly regarding the regulation of online content and the enforcement of local laws.