X complies with court orders and must appoint a representative

On the night of last Wednesday (18), platform X, formerly known as Twitterbegan complying with judicial orders from the Brazilian Supreme Court, removing profiles whose suspension had been ordered by Minister Alexandre de Moraes.

The company has resumed the services of the Pinheiro Neto law firm to represent it before the court, after having dismissed it the previous week. The Supreme Court, however, states that it will only recognize the new lawyers after the designation of a legal representative for the platform in national territory.

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X/Twitter begins suspending accounts requested by the STF

The Supreme Federal Court is monitoring the process of suspending the accounts determined by Moraes. Sources confirmed that the profiles were effectively removed.

Among the accounts suspended by court order are those of the blogger aligned with former president Bolsonaro, Allan dos Santos, currently a fugitive in the United States; Paulo Figueiredo, former presenter of Jovem Pan and target of an investigation into an alleged coup attempt in Brazil; and YouTuber Monark, among others.

In the understanding of the STF, this action signals that tycoon Elon Musk may be reconsidering his stance of contempt of court orders in Brazil. Until now, he refused to remove the accounts, pay the fines imposed by the court and appoint a representative in the country.

In August, the X announced the closure of its operations in Brazil to avoid the arrest of its representative, since failure to comply with a court order in the country is considered a crime, with a prison sentence ranging from 15 days to six months.

The continued failure to comply with court decisions led Alexandre de Moraes to block access to the X platform in the country.

Musk appears to want to collaborate with the Brazilian government

Another positive sign issued by Musk was the note released by the company trying to explain the partial reestablishment of X in Brazil. The platform became accessible to users again on Wednesday, despite Alexandre de Moraes’s blocking order.

The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) stated that “the conduct of network X demonstrates deliberate intent to disregard the STF order“. Alexandre de Moraes pointed out “willful, unlawful and persistent recalcitrance” in disobeying the determinations, applying a fine of R$5 million to the platform.

In its note, Elon Musk’s company claimed that the reinstatement was involuntary and sought to demonstrate a willingness to collaborate. “We continue our efforts to cooperate with the Brazilian government with a view to returning the platform to the Brazilian population as soon as possible.“, the statement says.

Furthermore, X paid the fines determined by the Supreme Court, totaling R$18.3 million.

There is only one requirement left to comply with from the STF

The only remaining issue is the appointment of a representative in Brazil. Sources indicate that the billionaire has already met with Brazilian lawyers to seek a solution to this issue.

In light of Musk’s company’s initiatives, Minister Alexandre de Moraes expressed to his interlocutors in court the need for “patience”, suggesting that he believes that, despite the platform’s fluctuations and Elon Musk’s attacks, he will end up complying with all of the STF’s decisions.

X’s shares continue to be treated with caution, and the billionaire himself continues to send contradictory signals in relation to the STF.

On Wednesday, after the X became accessible again in the country, Musk posted on his profile: “Any sufficiently advanced magic is indistinguishable from technology.“The statement was interpreted as a provocation to Alexandre de Moraes.

Despite negotiations with Brazilian offices, X is facing difficulties in finding a professional willing to take on representation, due to the possibility that the company will continue to fail to comply with court orders.