Businesses in Brazil regain access to X as Internet users resume activity

Internet users in Brazil were finally able to regain access to Elon Musk’s social network X on Wednesday after nearly 40 days of being offline. This restoration came after a notification from the Brazilian Telecommunications Agency (ANATEL) to telecom carriers, following a ruling by Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

X, formerly known as Twitter, had been inaccessible in Brazil since late August. Its return was contingent on meeting specific requirements set by Brazilian courts, including the payment of R$28.6 million in fines and appointing a legal representative for the platform in the country. This resolution has been seen as a significant victory for the Brazilian judiciary against a major internet corporation and Elon Musk’s influence.

When Justice Moraes approved the restoration of access to X in Brazil, Communications Minister Juscelino Filho praised the platform’s compliance with Brazilian laws. He stated, „X’s decision to settle outstanding fines and comply with Brazilian laws is a victory for our country. We have shown the world that in Brazil, laws must be respected, no matter who you are. Brazil is sovereign.“ This indicates a commitment from the ministry and regulatory agency to uphold judicial decisions in the online space.

The process of restoring access to the social network in Brazil was not immediate. ANATEL clarified that each telecommunications provider was responsible for implementing the court order technically. The timeline for unblocking access varied depending on the technical measures required by each provider’s systems.

Conexis Brasil Digital, representing major telecom companies like Vivo, Claro, and TIM, assured that its members would comply with the judicial and administrative orders within the specified timeframes. Similarly, the Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers (ABRINT) stated that ANATEL had begun notifying providers, who would need to take the necessary technical measures to carry out the court order.

ABRINT, representing over 2,000 internet providers in Brazil, highlighted that the timeline for unblocking access would depend on the measures implemented by each provider based on their specific circumstances. This process also affected satellite operators like Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, which faced similar sanctions from the Brazilian judiciary due to the absence of a legal representative for X in the country.

Overall, the restoration of access to X in Brazil signifies a significant step towards ensuring compliance with Brazilian laws and judicial decisions in the online space. It showcases the importance of upholding regulations and laws, regardless of the entity involved, in a country that values its sovereignty and legal framework.