X ceases business activities in Brazil after a disagreement with a judge

X has announced that they will cease operations in Brazil with immediate effect. The social media platform, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, says it is taking the step because of what it says are “censorship orders” from Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre of Moraes.

According to X, Moraes threatened to arrest one of the company’s legal representatives in Brazil if they did not comply with orders to remove certain content from the platform. The judge also imposed a fine of around 3,300 euros per day for each day the orders were not followed.

Moraes had ordered the blocking of some accounts on X earlier this year. It investigates groups accused of spreading fake news and hate during the government of former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Musk disagreed, saying Moraes’ orders are against the law. But X’s representatives later promised that the company would follow up on orders.

X says the decision to close was made to protect the safety of the workers. The Brazilian Supreme Court has not yet responded. X will continue to be available online for users in Brazil, the platform said.

In 2022, Bolsonaro lost the elections to the left-wing President Lula. Last year, a court decided that Bolsonaro will remain in office until 2030 he is no longer allowed to participate in Brazilian politics because he spread disinformation before those lost elections began.