PGR Defends Ban Amid Legal and Political Controversies Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has called on the Supreme Court to dismiss legal challenges against the ban on the
PGR Defends Ban Amid Legal and Political Controversies
Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has called on the Supreme Court to dismiss legal challenges against the ban on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The PGR defended the ban, stating it does not violate free speech rights and that the lawsuits lack legal merit. This comes after X was blocked for failing to comply with Brazilian laws and court orders, sparking legal appeals from the Brazilian Bar Association and political party Partido Novo. The case remains under review, with a decision expected after the country’s municipal elections in October.
Brazil’s Attorney General’s Office (PGR) has urged the country’s Supreme Court to dismiss legal actions challenging the recent ban on social media platform X, formerly Twitter. The PGR argued that the ban, imposed on August 30, does not infringe on free speech rights and criticized the lawsuits as lacking a solid legal basis.
The platform, owned by Elon Musk, was banned after failing to appoint a local legal representative, a requirement under Brazilian law. Previously, X had refused to comply with court orders to remove harmful content, including misinformation and extremist rhetoric. The platform was also hit with a $9,000 daily fine for users bypassing the ban through virtual private networks (VPNs).
Legal challenges from the Brazilian Bar Association and political party Partido Novo were quickly filed, but the PGR contends that the appeals cannot be used to question a Supreme Court ruling. Supreme Court Justice Marques Nunes is expected to review the case further, though no decision is anticipated until after Brazil’s municipal elections in October. The court previously upheld the platform’s ban in early September.
The legal battle has sparked significant debate among Brazilian lawmakers. Some representatives argue that the ban and associated fines represent an undue infringement on free speech, while others view X’s non-compliance as a threat to national sovereignty. Conservative Congressman Nikolas Ferreira has criticized the lack of transparency in the ban’s enforcement, while Congressman Ivan Valente contends that X’s actions undermine Brazil’s sovereignty. The controversy reflects broader concerns over social media regulation and freedom of speech, underscoring the complex intersection of law, politics, and technology in Brazil.
