X Ends Operations in Brazil

X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, announced today that it is ceasing its operations in Brazil, although the service will still be accessible to users in the country. This decision comes in the wake of a legal confrontation with Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has been attempting to block specific accounts linked to an investigation into election disinformation and alleged "digital militias." X's global government affairs account stated that Moraes has threatened legal representatives in Brazil with arrest if the company does not comply with his censorship directives. The company emphasized that the safety of its staff was a primary concern in making this decision, which takes effect immediately. In a previous communication, X identified some of the accounts targeted by Moraes, including those of a pastor, a current parliamentarian, and the spouse of a former parliamentarian. Earlier this year, Moraes initiated a criminal inquiry into Elon Musk after the X owner indicated he would disregard a court order by reinstating restrictions on certain accounts. Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro have criticized Moraes and called for his impeachment, following Bolsonaro's electoral defeat in 2022. The Superior Electoral Court has barred Bolsonaro from seeking office for eight years, citing attempts to undermine the election process. Musk, who met with Bolsonaro during a visit to Brazil, has also suggested that Moraes should resign or face impeachment. In its announcement, X clarified that its Brazilian staff bear no responsibility for content moderation decisions, framing the situation as a choice between democracy and the authority of Alexandre de Moraes.