X, formerly known as Twitter, is set to resume operations in Brazil after paying one final fine imposed by the country’s Supreme Court. The court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, fined X 10 million Reais (about $1.9 million) for failing to comply with a previous court order.
Moraes stated that the social media platform’s return is contingent upon its full compliance with Brazilian laws and court orders, particularly respecting national sovereignty. The fine was issued after X restored services for some users in violation of a national ban, with further fines imposed when the platform was accessed through Starlink on September 23.
The legal battle between X and the Brazilian judiciary began when Elon Musk, the company’s owner, refused to follow a court mandate to take down and freeze accounts spreading disinformation. Musk viewed these orders as censorship and chose to close the platform’s operations in Brazil rather than comply.
X (formerly Twitter) Set to Resume in Brazil After Paying Final Fine and Complying with Court Orders
In response, Justice Moraes instructed Brazilian internet providers to block access to X, also threatening users with a daily fine of 50,000 Reais ($8,900) if they accessed the platform via VPN. Additionally, the court froze the bank accounts of SpaceX’s Starlink service and withdrew 18.35 million Reais ($3.4 million) from both X and Starlink to cover prior penalties imposed on the social network.
In recent days, X has signaled its intent to comply with the court’s orders. Reports suggest that X’s legal team submitted documents naming a legal representative in Brazil, as required by Justice Moraes. The platform also removed accounts identified by the court as spreading disinformation and undermining democracy. This willingness to cooperate marks a significant shift, as X previously failed to submit the necessary paperwork, delaying the lifting of the national ban.
Moraes has now indicated that X can return to full operation in Brazil after settling the outstanding fine. The company appears to have addressed the court’s requirements, clearing the way for its services to be reinstated. By complying with legal mandates and demonstrating respect for national laws, X is poised to regain access to the Brazilian market, allowing users to access the platform once again.
This development signals the conclusion of a prolonged legal dispute between X and the Brazilian Supreme Court. After months of standoff, X is taking the necessary steps to comply with Brazilian legislation, resolve the conflict and prepare to resume its services. With the payment of the final fine, Brazilian users can expect to regain access to the platform soon.
