A Brazilian Supreme Court justice has initiated an investigation into Elon Musk for his alleged involvement in the dissemination of fake news and obstruction of justice. The justice, Alexandre de Moraes, accused Musk of conducting a public disinformation campaign against the court's actions and refusing to comply with orders to block certain accounts on his social media platform, X.
De Moraes stated that Musk's actions constitute obstruction of Brazilian justice, incitement of crime, and a threat to the sovereignty of Brazil. The investigation will focus on Musk's intentional criminal use of X as part of a network spreading defamatory fake news and threats against Supreme Court justices.
Musk, known for his stance on free speech, has not responded to the latest developments. The investigation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of digital militias in Brazil, with lawmakers and supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro being targeted.
De Moraes' defenders argue that his decisions are necessary to combat fake news and protect Brazilian democracy, particularly in the wake of a recent uprising in Brazil's capital. Musk, on the other hand, has vowed to lift restrictions on blocked accounts on X, despite potential legal consequences.
The justice warned that failure to comply with court orders could result in significant fines and legal repercussions. Brazil's attorney general has called for increased regulation of social media platforms to prevent foreign billionaires from undermining the rule of law.
While Brazil's constitution upholds freedom of speech, it also emphasizes the importance of respecting legal boundaries and upholding social peace.
