Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, now called X, is currently under investigation in Brazil. The probe, ordered by Brazil’s Supreme Court, scrutinizes Musk’s decision to reinstate accounts previously blocked by judicial order.
The directive for this investigation was issued by Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes, who is also spearheading an inquiry into online networks accused of spreading misinformation during the administration of Brazil’s former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro himself is entangled in several legal challenges, including allegations of attempting to subvert the government after his electoral defeat in 2022.
Musk, who acquired Twitter in October 2022 and subsequently renamed it X, has modified the platform’s content policies, advocating a maximalist stance on free speech. This has included reactivating several accounts, notably those of conservative figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump and commentator Alex Jones.
The specifics of the order, including the exact timing of its issuance, the identities associated with the blocked accounts, or the reasons for their initial suspension by the Brazilian Supreme Court, remain undisclosed by both the Brazilian authorities and Musk.
Musk has openly criticized Judge Moraes, accusing him of a stark betrayal of both the Brazilian people and the constitution. He has also suggested that Moraes should step down from his position. Amid potential sanctions and fines from the Brazilian authorities, Musk has hinted that X might cease its operations in Brazil, underscoring his belief that “principles matter more than profit.”
