A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has launched an inquiry into Elon Musk after the tech mogul defied a court order to comply with restrictions on accounts on X, a social networking site. The case has sparked a bitter dispute between the Brazilian judicial authorities and Musk, and is raising broader questions about freedom of expression, digital governance and foreign internet companies’ impact on domestic legal frameworks.
Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and a free speech advocate, blasted the decision to suspend several accounts on the site, calling it “unjust” and “unacceptable.” The dispute raises fundamental questions about the right to free speech on the internet and national courts’ power over foreign-run online platforms.
Musk, X, and Brazilian authorities have not disclosed which accounts are being blocked, but Justice Moraes’ ruling is likely part of a broader investigation into alleged “digital militias” accused of spreading hate speech and false news during Jair Bolassonaro’s administration. Adding to the political sensitivity of the issue is the fact that Moraes is leading an investigation into what appears to be an attempted Bolsonaro coup.
Using X, Musk accused Judge Moraes of continually disregarding the Brazilian people and the Brazilian Constitution. He accused the judge of threatening to arrest X workers, impose fines, and possibly block access to the X site in Brazil. Musk said that he would be prepared to shut down X operations in Brazil rather than comply with what he believes are unjust legal requirements.
After Musk failed to comply with the court order, Judge Moraes included him in the ongoing investigation into false news posted on social media and initiated an investigation into potential obstruction of justice. Judge Moraes told X not to comply with any court order, including reactivating the profiles that were prohibited by the Supreme Court. X will be subject to substantial financial penalties for failure to comply, showing the court’s willingness to enforce its orders.
In Brazil, the socialist government of Luiz Lula da Silva defended Judge Moraes and condemned Musk’s behavior. Solicitor General Jorge Messias condemned Musk’s disobedience and called for more control over social media platforms to prevent foreign companies from violating Brazilian laws. Messiah’s main points were upholding the rule of law; preventing foreign billionaires from defying court decisions; and weakening national authority. The ongoing cases highlight the challenges of policing online spaces and reconciling freedom of expression with legal obligations.
