The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has announced the immediate closure of its operations in Brazil. The decision follows a confrontation with Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who reportedly issued a secret order threatening the arrest of one of the company’s legal representatives if X did not comply with content removal requests.
Justice de Moraes, known for his active role in regulating online content, has been at odds with X over the platform’s refusal to remove certain accounts and posts. These accounts are allegedly linked to the spread of misinformation and attacks on Brazilian institutions, which de Moraes has targeted as part of a broader investigation into so-called “digital militias.” X, however, has resisted complying with these orders, arguing that they violate Brazilian, American, and international law.
The conflict escalated when X revealed that de Moraes had issued a secret order threatening the arrest of Rachel Nova Conceicao, a legal representative for the company in Brazil. The order also imposed a daily fine of 20,000 reais ($3,653) for non-compliance. In response, X decided to shut down its operations in the country, citing concerns for the safety of its staff.
“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,” the company stated. “Despite our numerous appeals to the Supreme Court not being heard, the Brazilian public not being informed about these orders, and our Brazilian staff having no responsibility or control over whether content is blocked on our platform, Moraes has chosen to threaten our staff in Brazil rather than respect the law or due process.”
X owner Elon Musk has been vocal in his criticism of de Moraes, labeling his actions as unconstitutional and incompatible with democratic principles. Musk has accused the judge of stifling conservative voices and has resisted the demands for account suspensions, which he argues would constitute a breach of free speech rights.
Although the physical operations of X in Brazil have been terminated, the platform remains accessible to users in the country. The decision to close the office marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the social media giant and Brazilian authorities.
“We are deeply saddened that we have been forced to make this decision. The responsibility lies solely with Alexandre de Moraes,” X stated. “His actions are incompatible with democratic government. The people of Brazil have a choice to make—democracy, or Alexandre de Moraes.”
