Access ban imposed on X platform: Fines for VPN users
The Brazilian Supreme Court has banned access to the social media platform X after the company failed to appoint a legal representative in the country within a 24-hour deadline.
AA
A statement regarding the matter was issued by the Brazilian Supreme Court.
The statement reported that Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes decided to impose an access ban on X, owned by Elon Musk, noting that the company failed to appoint a legal representative in Brazil within the allotted time, and that the decision will remain in effect until a representative is appointed and the imposed fines are paid.
The statement indicated that internet service providers and app stores have been given 5 days to block access to X, and that fines will be imposed on individuals or organizations attempting to access X through means such as VPNs.
Elon Musk also reacted to the decision in a post on X, stating, "Free speech is the bedrock of democracy and an unelected pseudo-judge in Brazil is destroying it for political purposes."
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Brazilian Supreme Court had requested that X provide data on certain individuals and block specific accounts as part of an investigation into an "attempted coup" involving former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Musk did not comply with the court's request and closed X's office in Brazil.
The Brazilian Supreme Court had given X a 24-hour deadline to appoint a legal representative in the country, announcing that an access ban would be imposed on the platform if it failed to do so.