No X (Twitter) in Brazil, one of microblogging site's biggest markets

Multitudes of users were left disappointed and confused after billionaire Elon Musk-owned X—formerly known as Twitter—was blocked in Brazil. The microblogging site failed to comply with a legal deadline in the country. The shutdown of the platform in Brazil started early on Saturday after the billionaire refused to name a legal representative to the country, missing a deadline imposed by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Brazil's telecom regulator, ANATEL, proceeded with the suspension of access to the platform to comply with an order from a judge who has been cracking down on billionaire investor Elon Musk in a case that has been ongoing for several months.   

Here are key things to know about the development:

The blocking of social media platform X in Brazil divided users and politicians over the legitimacy of the ban, marking an escalation in a feud between Musk and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over free speech and misinformation.

Brazil is one of the biggest markets for X.

On Thursday, X missed the court-imposed deadline to name a legal representative in the country.

"They're shutting down the #1 source of truth in Brazil," Elon Musk tweeted the next day.

The billionaire also criticised the country's action on the platform in several posts.   

Musk has argued that Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes was trying to enforce unjustified censorship.

The judge has argued that social media needs regulations to counter hate speech on platforms.

Musk owns X and 40 per cent of SpaceX, a manufacturer of advanced rockets and spacecraft. He is the CEO of electric vehicle giant Tesla.

An order by the judge earlier this year required the platform to block accounts implicated in probes of alleged spreading of distorted news and hate. Musk denounced the order as censorship.

He responded by closing the company's offices in Brazil but ensured the platform was still available in the country.

He has said Starlink would continue to serve Brazilians, including the military, for free "until this matter is resolved."

 is the most used news source in Brazil. It is what the people want.

Now, the tyrant de Voldemort is crushing the people’s right to free speech. https://t.co/gR8aq3JzzU

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 31, 2024

Investing in Brazil under their current administration is insane. When there is new leadership, that will hopefully change. https://t.co/Wnmhwi8BzD

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 1, 2024

Absolutely.

In addition, there will be reciprocal confiscation of assets of those who support the current regime in Brazil to pay for their illegal actions. https://t.co/nGCkVDxeVN

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 1, 2024

There is growing evidence that fake judge @Alexandre engaged in serious, repeated & deliberate election interference in Brazil’s last presidential election.

Under Brazilian law, that would mean up to 20 years in prison.

And, I’m sorry to say that it appears that some former…

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 1, 2024

The X feud has also led to the freezing of satellite internet provider Starlink's bank accounts in Brazil.

Starlink is a unit of Musk-led rocket company SpaceX.

With inputs from agencies