(Bloomberg) — Brazil’s top court threatened to block Elon Musk’s appointment if the social media platform does not appoint a legal representative in the country within 24 hours, escalating a conflict between the volatile billionaire and Latin America’s largest economy.
Most read from Bloomberg
The decision came days after the platform formerly known as Twitter pledged to cease operations in Brazil but keep the service available to the country’s estimated 20 million active users.
The Supreme Court published its ruling on its official X account on Wednesday, in response to X’s threat. It is the latest twist in a clash between the world’s richest man and Chief Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who is leading the fight against fake news and hate speech in Brazil.
Brazil’s Supreme Court has issued a sweeping series of rulings banning social media accounts since thousands of supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed major government buildings in early 2023. The court has ordered the suspension of prominent users, forced the removal of posts and even warned that entire platforms like Telegram and X should be temporarily shut down.
Musk has challenged the orders, prompting Moraes to launch an investigation into the Tesla Inc. CEO. On Aug. 17, X said Moraes threatened to arrest his legal representative in Brazil if they did not comply with “his censorship orders.” Musk called the decision to close X’s office in the country “difficult” in a post.
With his decision, Moraes wants to ensure that the platform complies with Brazilian law, which requires representation in the country, the court said in its statement on Wednesday.
Most read from Bloomberg Businessweek
©2024 Bloomberg LP