In a legal document issued on August 28, 2024, the Brazilian Supreme Court has ordered Elon Musk to appoint a new legal representative for X Brasil (formerly Twitter) in the national territory within 24 hours.
Failure to comply will result in the immediate suspension of X’s activities in Brazil until the court’s orders are fulfilled and daily fines are paid.
The order, issued by the Rapporteur, Minister Alexandre de Moraes, cites Article 12, item III, of Law No. 12.965/14 as the legal basis for this action.
“Once the measure determined herein has been complied with, the Secretariat must immediately notify this Rapporteur,” the release read.
This development comes amid ongoing tensions between Elon Musk and the Brazilian government over issues related to censorship and free speech.
“We cannot live in a society in which billionaires domiciled abroad have control of social networks and put themselves in a position to violate the rule of law, failing to comply with court orders and threatening our authorities. Social peace is non-negotiable,” Brazil’s attorney general, Jorge Messias, posted on X in April, seemingly targeting Musk.
Brazilian legal experts view Moraes’ subpoena to Musk via X as atypical and illegal. According to Andre Marsiglia, a constitutional lawyer and freedom of expression expert in Brazil, “This summons must be made, even abroad, by means of a letter rogatory and the necessary procedural instruments so that they receive this request there in person.”
The appointment of a legal representative in Brazil may be seen as a move to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.
Brazil Supreme Court Orders Elon Musk To Appoint Legal Representative is first published on The Whistler Newspaper