Will X one day be able to make his comeback in Brazil? This is what the social network is hoping for, which now claims to have met all the demands of the Supreme Court of the South American country and which is asking for its suspension to be lifted, a source close to the matter told AFP . The company notably presented new documents requested by Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes.
The network, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, is committed to “ protect freedom of expression within the limits of the law » and to respect « the sovereignty of countries » where it operates, he published in a message published Thursday on his account dedicated to relations with governments on the platform. “ We believe that the access of the Brazilian population to X is essential for a vibrant democracy and we will continue to defend freedom of expression through legal process “, he added in a message in English and Portuguese.
Consulted, the Pinheiro Neto law firm, which represents X in Brazil, did not wish to comment. The Supreme Court said no more, in the name of judicial confidentiality.
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A suspension in the name of disinformation
As a reminder, the judge of the Supreme Court, Alexandre de Moraels, who on August 30 ordered the suspension of disinformation. He thus asked X to delete the accounts of personalities, mainly of the extreme right, forming a “ digital militia », which the billionaire refused. He also criticized him for not having a legal representative on site.
X has finally recently appointed a legal representative in Brazil. But last Saturday, Judge Morales ruled that not duly completed » all the conditions to obtain an end to his ban. He gave him five days to file additional documents.
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A fine for violating the suspension
The judge also ordered X to pay a fine of at least five million reais per day (around 820,000 euros) for violating his suspension on September 18. In fact, a technical tip allowed the social network to make its return to the country for certain users on Wednesday.
The social network assured that this was the consequence “ involuntary and temporary » of a change of server, without convincing the authorities. The platform was blocked again the next day.
The suspension of the platform in Brazil has launched a heated debate in Latin America’s largest country, and beyond, about the limits of freedom of expression on social networks. X’s reinstatement puts Supreme Court justices “ in failure »for Alexandre Caramelo, professor of telecommunications at the Getulio Vargas Foundation. “ This proves they don’t know what they’re doing. » et « ignore what is technically possible “, he told AFP.
For his part, Elon Musk castigated the suspension, calling it “ dictator » Judge Moraes. The Brazilian right led by former head of state Jair Bolsonaro followed suit, while the suspension was on the other hand supported by the government of left-wing President Lula, in the name of respect for the laws.
(With AFP)
