Tim Walz's AG appears to celebrate Brazil X ban, leading Musk to say Dems want to ‘destroy’ First Amendment
- Brazil banned access to the social media platform X after it failed to appoint a legal representative in the country.
- Keith Ellison, Minnesota's Attorney General, thanked Brazil for the ban, prompting criticism from Elon Musk.
- Musk's response reflects concerns over free speech and the implications of government regulations on social media.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison expressed gratitude to Brazil on social media shortly after the country imposed a ban on the platform X, owned by Elon Musk. This ban was enacted because X failed to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, which is a requirement under Brazilian law. The ban, initiated on a Saturday, included severe penalties for users attempting to bypass the restrictions using VPNs, with fines reaching nearly $9,000 per day. Elon Musk responded to Ellison's post by criticizing the Democratic Party, claiming they are undermining the First Amendment. His comments reflect a broader concern among conservatives regarding the implications of the ban on free speech. Musk's statement highlights the tension between social media companies and governmental regulations, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. The Brazilian Supreme Court, led by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, justified the ban by emphasizing the need for social media platforms to comply with local laws, which include having representatives in the country to address legal matters. The court's ruling pointed out Musk's perceived disregard for Brazilian sovereignty and the legal framework governing internet services. In response to the ban, X stated that it would not comply with what it deemed illegal orders to censor political content. The company emphasized its commitment to protecting freedom of speech for its users globally, indicating a potential escalation in the conflict between X and Brazilian authorities over compliance with local laws.