Elon Musk-owned social media platform X announced on Saturday that it is ceasing operations in Brazil immediately. The decision follows what the company described as a “threat” from Alexandre de Moraes, a justice on Brazil’s Supreme Court.
X stated that Moraes issued a confidential order threatening the arrest of the company’s legal representative in Brazil if the platform did not adhere to his censorship directives. The company criticized the order for being issued secretly and without due process.
“Last night, Alexandre de Moraes threatened our legal representative in Brazil with arrest if we do not comply with his censorship orders. He did so in a secret order, which we share here to expose his actions,” X said in its statement.
The company voiced its frustration over repeated appeals to Brazil’s Supreme Court that it claims have been ignored, leaving its employees exposed to legal threats.
Although it is closing its physical operations in Brazil, X assured that its service would still be accessible to users in the country.
“We are deeply saddened that we have been forced to make this decision. The responsibility lies solely with Alexandre de Moraes. His actions are incompatible with democratic government. The people of Brazil have a choice to make—democracy, or Alexandre de Moraes,” the statement concluded.
This is a developing story.