The social media platform X has resumed operations in Brazil after being inaccessible for over a month due to a dispute between its owner, Elon Musk, and a Supreme Court justice. The platform was reinstated following an authorization by Justice Alexandre de Moraes to lift its suspension.
Internet service providers have started restoring access to X, allowing users to reconnect with the platform. A prominent user, Lucas dos Santos Consoli, expressed his joy at the platform's return, highlighting its significance in his online presence.
The suspension of X on August 30 stemmed from a disagreement between Musk and Justice de Moraes regarding free speech, far-right accounts, and misinformation. Musk's company complied with the court's demands, which included blocking specific accounts, settling fines, and appointing a legal representative.
Brazil, with a substantial online population, is one of X's key markets, with millions of users relying on the platform for social interaction. X emphasized its commitment to upholding freedom of speech within legal boundaries as it re-enters the Brazilian market.
The ban on X prompted some users to explore alternative platforms like Meta's Threads and Bluesky. Bluesky, reporting significant user growth in Brazil, has established a legal presence in the country to comply with local regulations.
The resumption of X's activities in Brazil has been hailed as a victory for democracy by advocacy groups. The incident underscores the importance of adhering to legal frameworks, even for global tech giants.
While X's clash with Brazil echoes past confrontations with other governments, the platform's return signifies a pragmatic decision driven by economic considerations. Losing access to millions of Brazilian users and associated advertising revenue likely influenced X's compliance with regulatory demands.
Overall, X's reentry into the Brazilian market marks a significant development in the ongoing dialogue between tech companies and regulatory authorities worldwide.
