Brazil’s blocking of customers' access to X began on Saturday. Critics argue that Brazil is under pressure from the Biden-Harris administration, accusing it of orchestrating the attacks on X as part of controlling the platform's content.

It is also alleged that it is retribution for Musk’s support of Trump in the 2024 US presidential election and support of the previous Brazilian president.

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Attacks on X Continue

The country claims that the social media platform missed the required deadline to appoint another in-country legal representative.

Musk’s legal team has condemned the ruling, labeling Justice Moraes as a “dictator” who is blatantly violating freedom of speech.

 According to The Associated Press, any attempt to bypass the ban using VPNs could result in daily fines of nearly $9,000.

In the meantime, Brazil froze bank accounts of Musk-owned companies X and Starlink. 

Starlink posted on X that, “This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied – unconstitutionally – against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally… We are proud of the impact Starlink is making in communities across the country, and the Starlink team is doing everything possible to ensure their service is not interrupted.”

Former X Representative in Brazil Under Attack

According to the AP, X has not had a representative in Brazil since early August.

The social media platform said in a statement that the judge shut down X "simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents." 

"When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts," the company said. "Unlike other social media and technology platforms, we will not comply in secret with illegal orders. “

Musk is unwilling to appoint another in-country representative due to the danger of arrest or imprisonment.

Minnesota Attorney General Supports Ban

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison faced backlash after posting "obrigado Brasil!" ("Thank you, Brazil!") on X, days after the ban was enforced.

His message, written in Portuguese, drew sharp criticism from conservatives and Elon Musk himself.

Musk condemned Ellison's post, claiming, “The Democratic Party... now wants to destroy the First Amendment.”

Elon Musk Responds

Musk has been vocal about the situation, accusing Brazil’s judicial system of overreach.

In his response, he highlighted the ongoing legal dispute between X and Brazilian authorities, who argue that internet companies must have local representatives to comply with rulings related to removing illicit content or election misinformation.

X, in a public statement, criticized Brazil’s Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who justified the platform’s shutdown for non-compliance. The platform stressed its refusal to "comply in secret with illegal orders."

Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro became an X advocate when during the Brazilian election the platform refused demands to take down users who supported him.

His administration granted Musk the right to operate Starlink in Brazil and awarded Musk with a medal in recognition of his contributions to the country. Bolsonaro’s supporters are also visible fans of the tech billionaire.

The attacks on X continue as the platform remains blocked in Brazil. Musk is doubling-down on his commitment to defending freedom of speech globally, despite pressure from foreign governments.