Top Brazilian judge orders suspension of X platform in Brazil amid feud with Musk

Tesla and SpaceX chief executive officer Elon Musk (L) and Brazil's Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. (Agencies)
Tesla and SpaceX chief executive officer Elon Musk (L) and Brazil's Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. (Agencies)
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Updated 02 September 2024
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Top Brazilian judge orders suspension of X platform in Brazil amid feud with Musk

Tesla and SpaceX chief executive officer Elon Musk (L) and Brazil's Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. (Agencies)
  • “Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country,” de Moraes wrote

SAO PAULO: A Brazilian Supreme Court justice on Friday ordered the suspension of Elon Musk’s social media giant X in Brazil after the tech billionaire refused to name a legal representative in the country, according to a copy of the decision seen by The Associated Press
The move further escalates the monthslong feud between the two men over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes had warned Musk on Wednesday night that X could be blocked in Brazil if he failed to comply with his order to name a representative, and established a 24-hour deadline. The company hasn’t had a representative in the country since earlier this month.
In his decision, de Moraes gave Internet service providers and app stores five days to block access to X, and said the platform will remain blocked until it complies with his orders. He also said people or companies who use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access X will be subject to daily fines of 50,000 reais ($8,900).
“Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country,” de Moraes wrote.

Brazil is an important market for X, which has struggled with the loss of advertisers since Musk purchased the former Twitter in 2022. Market research group Emarketer says some 40 million Brazilians, roughly one-fifth of the population, access X at least once per month.
X had posted on its official Global Government Affairs page late Thursday that it expected X to be shut down by de Moraes, “simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents.”
“When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, Judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts,” the company wrote. “Our challenges against his manifestly illegal actions were either dismissed or ignored. Judge de Moraes’ colleagues on the Supreme Court are either unwilling or unable to stand up to him.”
X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to comply with orders to block users.
Accounts that the platform previously has shut down on Brazilian orders include lawmakers affiliated with former President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing party and activists accused of undermining Brazilian democracy.
Musk, a self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” has repeatedly claimed the justice’s actions amount to censorship, and his argument has been echoed by Brazil’s political right. He has often insulted de Moraes on his platform, characterizing him as a dictator and tyrant.
De Moraes’ defenders have said his actions aimed at X have been lawful, supported by most of the court’s full bench and have served to protect democracy at a time in which it is imperiled. His order Friday is based on Brazilian law requiring foreign companies to have representation in the country so they can be notified when there are legal cases against them.
Given that operators are aware of the widely publicized standoff and their obligation to comply with an order from de Moraes, plus the fact doing so isn’t complicated, X could be offline as early as 12 hours after receiving their instructions, said Luca Belli, coordinator of the Technology and Society Center at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university in Rio de Janeiro.
The shutdown is not unprecedented in Brazil.
Lone Brazilian judges shut down Meta’s WhatsApp, the nation’s most widely used messaging app, several times in 2015 and 2016 due to the company’s refusal to comply with police requests for user data. In 2022, de Moraes threatened the messaging app Telegram with a nationwide shutdown, arguing it had repeatedly ignored Brazilian authorities’ requests to block profiles and provide information. He ordered Telegram to appoint a local representative; the company ultimately complied and stayed online.
X and its former incarnation, Twitter, have been banned in several countries — mostly authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Venezuela and Turkmenistan. Other countries, such as Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt, have also temporarily suspended X before, usually to quell dissent and unrest. Twitter was banned in Egypt after the Arab Spring uprisings, which some dubbed the “Twitter revolution,” but it has since been restored.
A search Friday on X showed hundreds of Brazilian users inquiring about VPNs that could potentially enable them to continue using the platform by making it appear they were logging on from outside the country. It was not immediately clear how Brazilian authorities would police this practice and impose fines cited by de Moraes.
Mariana de Souza Alves Lima, known by her handle MariMoon, showed her 1.4 million followers on X that she would go to rival social network BlueSky, posting a screenshot and saying: “That is where I’m going.”
X said that it plans to publish what it has called de Moraes’ “illegal demands” and related court filings “in the interest of transparency.”
Also on Thursday evening, Starlink, Musk’s satellite Internet service provider, said on X that de Moraes this week froze its finances, preventing it from doing any transactions in the country where it has more than 250,000 customers.
“This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied— unconstitutionally— against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally,” Starlink said in its statement.
Musk replied to people sharing the reports of the freeze, adding insults directed at de Moraes. “This guy @Alexandre is an outright criminal of the worst kind, masquerading as a judge,” he wrote.
Musk later posted on X that SpaceX, which runs Starlink, will provide free Internet service in Brazil “until the matter is resolved” since “we cannot receive payment, but don’t want to cut anyone off.”
In his decision, de Moraes said he ordered the freezing of Starlink’s assets, as X didn’t have enough money in its accounts to cover mounting fines, and reasoning that the two companies are part of the same economic group.

 


Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris to launch digital business platform for ‘next generation of entrepreneurs’

Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris to launch digital business platform for ‘next generation of entrepreneurs’
Updated 20 November 2024
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Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris to launch digital business platform for ‘next generation of entrepreneurs’

Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris to launch digital business platform for ‘next generation of entrepreneurs’
  • MONIIFY newsroom will focus on emerging markets such as Southeast Asia, India, and the GCC
  • Platform will launch on Nov. 26, and provide daily business updates to ‘help young people become rich,’ Sawiris says

LONDON: Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris is set to unveil MONIIFY, a new digital business newsroom designed to cater to millennials and Gen Z audiences with a focus on emerging markets.

Scheduled for launch on Nov. 26, MONIIFY aims to become the “go-to space for business, tech, and finance updates” tailored to young entrepreneurs navigating the modern economic landscape.

“Young people today need more than traditional business and finance news,” said Sawiris. “MONIIFY speaks directly to the next generation of entrepreneurs, in their language, on the platforms they want”.

Based in the UAE, the platform will spotlight industries shaping the future, such as technology, artificial intelligence, private equity, cryptocurrency, and energy, with a particular focus on Southeast Asia, India, and the GCC — regions described by Sawiris as “bursting with potential.”

The platform promises daily updates, including breakdowns of investment trends and business opportunities, along with interviews featuring successful entrepreneurs.

It will also offer content formats such as short videos, explainers, deep-dive interviews, and a masterclass series featuring industry leaders sharing their success blueprints.

CEO Michael Peters, former head of Euronews, said MONIIFY represents a collective effort by top media professionals.

“We have brought together the best media talent from international markets as well as emerging markets who believe strongly in the MONIIFY movement, and who represent our brand,” said Peters.

MONIIFY creators will feature leading voices in financial content, including Eisa Al-Habib (UAE), Uptin Saiidi (US), Anushka Rathod (India), Felicia Putri Tjiasaka (Indonesia), Osamah Essam El-Din (Saudi Arabia), and Sara and Aaron Wee (Singapore).

In a teaser interview, Sawiris, chairman of Egypt-based Orascom TMT Investments with an estimated net worth of $3.8 billion, said he was inspired by his desire to help young people achieve financial success.

“I want to help young people become rich — even richer than me,” he said.

Sawiris has a history of high-profile initiatives. In 2011, he sold Orascom Telecom to Russian telecom firm VimpelCom (now Veon) in a multibillion-dollar transaction. In 2015, he offered to buy a Greek or Italian island to house Syrian refugees, a plan that was ultimately rejected by both governments.


Advertising network Publicis Groupe partners with Dubai Business Women Council to support female businesses

Advertising network Publicis Groupe partners with Dubai Business Women Council to support female businesses
Updated 20 November 2024
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Advertising network Publicis Groupe partners with Dubai Business Women Council to support female businesses

Advertising network Publicis Groupe partners with Dubai Business Women Council to support female businesses
  • Publicis Groupe to host workshops focusing on public relations, brand communication, digital marketing

DUBAI: Advertising network Publicis Groupe Middle East has partnered with the Dubai Business Women Council to support female-founded micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

Founded in 2022 by Dr. Raja Easa Al-Gurg, chairperson and managing director of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, the Dubai Business Women Council serves as a platform for the personal and professional development of businesswomen in Dubai.

This partnership will see Publicis Groupe host a series of workshops aimed at providing female business owners with a comprehensive knowledge of brand marketing and communications.

The first workshop, titled “The Power of Founder-Led Brands,” took place on Nov. 14 and was led by Andira Raslan, business director, and Sophia Boudjemaa, business director of strategy and insights, MSL Group Middle East.

During the session, Raslan and Boudjemaa emphasized the importance of personal branding and talked about strategies for building trust, increasing customer engagement, and instilling authenticity and personality in a brand.

Public relations, brand communication, digital marketing, social media strategies, innovation and growth are some of the topics that will be covered during future sessions.

“Effective marketing and communication can transform businesses, yet access to this knowledge and resources isn’t always within reach for small business owners,” said Bassel Kakish, CEO of Publicis Groupe Middle East and Turkiye.

The workshops aim to “democratize these insights and break down barriers for women entrepreneurs so they can elevate their brands,” he added.

Supported by the network’s in-house training and upskilling department Publicis Academy, the workshops are structured based on a survey conducted by the network to identify the challenges faced by micro, small and medium-sized businesses.

Nadine Halabi, head of business development and operations at the Dubai Business Women Council, said: “Empowering female entrepreneurs with the tools to elevate their brands is crucial for fostering innovation and growth within Dubai’s business landscape.

“Working with the experts at Publicis Groupe Middle East provides our members with access to strategic marketing and communication insights typically reserved for larger corporations.”


British MPs to summon Elon Musk over X’s role in summer riots

British MPs to summon Elon Musk over X’s role in summer riots
Updated 20 November 2024
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British MPs to summon Elon Musk over X’s role in summer riots

British MPs to summon Elon Musk over X’s role in summer riots
  • Inquiry will examine the impact of generative AI and social media in spreading harmful content
  • X is accused of playing an active role in spreading false claims that led to uprisings against minorities across the country

LONDON: Elon Musk, the CEO of X and a new appointee in Donald Trump’s administration, will be summoned by British MPs to testify about the role of his social media platform in spreading disinformation during the riots that shook England and Northern Ireland this summer, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

The hearing, part of a Commons science and technology select committee inquiry into social media, is set to take place early next year.

Executives from other major platforms, including Meta and TikTok, are also expected to be called to testify.

“(Musk) has very strong views on multiple aspects of this,” said Chi Onwurah, the Labour chair of the select committee. “I would certainly like the opportunity to cross-examine him to see … how he reconciles his promotion of freedom of expression with his promotion of pure disinformation.”

She added that the session could “make up for” Musk’s reported frustration at being left out of a UK government investment summit in September.

The inquiry will examine the impact of generative AI and social media in spreading harmful content, particularly during the riots.

Images and posts shared on X and Facebook falsely claimed the attacker involved in the killing of three schoolgirls in Southport in August was a Muslim asylum-seeker.

These false claims fueled Islamophobic protests and violence targeting minorities, including asylum-seekers.

One individual was arrested under the Public Order Act for inciting racial hatred on X. The platform found the same content did not violate its policies on violent threats.

Musk himself joined the online discussion, controversially claiming that “Civil war is inevitable.”

His remarks drew backlash and accusations of meddling in foreign affairs, a criticism that he has faced again for commenting on Italy’s migration policies.

The inquiry comes as X faces increased scrutiny for its inability to curb misinformation and its updated terms of service, which allow the platform to train AI models on user data. This has led to millions of users abandoning the platform.

In an effort to calm the waters, former Labour minister Peter Mandelson, tipped as a potential UK ambassador to Washington, recently called for an end to the “feud” between Musk and the UK government, arguing that it is “unwise” for Britain to alienate him.

The committee’s investigation will also examine how Silicon Valley’s business models, including algorithmic amplification, contribute to the spread of misleading or harmful content.

Onwurah emphasized the need to “get to the bottom of the links between social media algorithms, generative AI, and the spread of harmful or false content.”


Taliban govt clearing ‘un-Islamic’ books from Afghanistan shelves

Taliban govt clearing ‘un-Islamic’ books from Afghanistan shelves
Updated 20 November 2024
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Taliban govt clearing ‘un-Islamic’ books from Afghanistan shelves

Taliban govt clearing ‘un-Islamic’ books from Afghanistan shelves
  • Committee identified 400 titles “that conflicted with Islamic and Afghan values”

KABUL: Checking imported books, removing texts from libraries and distributing lists of banned titles — Taliban authorities are working to remove “un-Islamic” and anti-government literature from circulation.
The efforts are led by a commission established under the Ministry of Information and Culture soon after the Taliban swept to power in 2021 and implemented their strict interpretation of Islamic law, or sharia.
In October, the ministry announced the commission had identified 400 books “that conflicted with Islamic and Afghan values, most of which have been collected from the markets.”
The department in charge of publishing has distributed copies of the Qur'an and other Islamic texts to replace seized books, the ministry statement said.
The ministry has not provided figures for the number of removed books, but two sources, a publisher in Kabul and a government employee, said texts had been collected in the first year of Taliban rule and again in recent months.
“There is a lot of censorship. It is very difficult to work, and fear has spread everywhere,” the Kabul publisher told AFP.
Books were also restricted under the previous foreign-backed government ousted by the Taliban, when there was “a lot of corruption, pressures and other issues,” he said.
But “there was no fear, one could say whatever he or she wanted to say,” he added.
“Whether or not we could make any change, we could raise our voices.”


AFP received a list of five of the banned titles from an information ministry official.
It includes “Jesus the Son of Man” by renowned Lebanese-American author Khalil Gibran, for containing “blasphemous expressions,” and the “counterculture” novel “Twilight of the Eastern Gods” by Albanian author Ismail Kadare.
“Afghanistan and the Region: A West Asian Perspective” by Mirwais Balkhi, an education minister under the former government, was also banned for “negative propaganda.”
During the Taliban’s previous rule from 1996 to 2001, there were comparatively few publishing houses and booksellers in Kabul, the country having already been wracked by decades of war.
Today, thousands of books are imported each week alone from neighboring Iran — which shares the Persian language with Afghanistan — through the Islam Qala border crossing in western Herat province.
Taliban authorities rifled through boxes of a shipment at a customs warehouse in Herat city last week.
One man flipped through a thick English-language title, as another, wearing a camouflage uniform with a man’s image on the shoulder patch, searched for pictures of people and animals in the books.
“We have not banned books from any specific country or person, but we study the books and we block those that are contradictory to religion, sharia or the government, or if they have photos of living things,” said Mohammad Sediq Khademi, an official with the Herat department for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (PVPV).
“Any books that are against religion, faith, sect, sharia... we will not allow them,” the 38-year-old told AFP, adding the evaluations of imported books started some three months ago.
Images of living things — barred under some interpretations of Islam — are restricted according to a recent “vice and virtue” law that codifies rules imposed since the Taliban returned to power, but the regulations have been unevenly enforced.
Importers have been advised of which books to avoid, and when books are deemed unsuitable, they are given the option of returning them and getting their money back, Khademi said.
“But if they can’t, we don’t have any other option but to seize them,” he added.
“Once, we had 28 cartons of books that were rejected.”


Authorities have not gone from shop to shop checking for banned books, an official with the provincial information department and a Herat bookseller said, asking not to be named.
However, some books have been removed from Herat libraries and Kabul bookstores, a bookseller told AFP, also asking for anonymity, including “The History of Jihadi Groups in Afghanistan” by Afghan author Yaqub Mashauf.
Books bearing images of living things can still be found in Herat shops.
In Kabul and Takhar — a northern province where booksellers said they had received the list of 400 banned books — disallowed titles remained on some shelves.
Many non-Afghan works were banned, one seller said, “so they look at the author, whose name is there, and they are mostly banned” if they’re foreign.
His bookshop still carried translations of Russian author Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s “The Gambler” and fantasy novel “Daughter of the Moon Goddess” by Sue Lynn Tan.
But he was keen to sell them “very cheap” now, to clear them from his stock.


Meta Oversight Board says wrong to remove Moscow attack posts

Meta Oversight Board says wrong to remove Moscow attack posts
Updated 19 November 2024
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Meta Oversight Board says wrong to remove Moscow attack posts

Meta Oversight Board says wrong to remove Moscow attack posts
  • Non-binding board ruling argues news value justified exemption from platform rules
  • Daesh claims responsibility for Moscow concert hall attack that killed over 140 people

SAN FRANCISCO: The Meta Oversight Board on Tuesday said the social network was wrong to remove three Facebook posts showing images from a deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall in March.
The posts did violate Meta rules against showing victims during an attack, but their news value should have made them exempt from those rules, according to the independent board.
“In a country such as Russia with a closed media environment, accessibility on social media of such content is even more important,” the board said in a written decision.
“Suppressing matters of vital public concern based on unsubstantiated fears it could promote radicalization is not consistent with Meta’s responsibilities to free expression.”
Each of the posts clearly condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with or concern for victims, according to the board.
Meta should restore the posts — adding a warning that the content could be disturbing to viewers, the board ruled.
Four gunmen stormed the Crocus City venue before the start of a rock concert, opened fire on the audience and set fire to the building, in an assault claimed by the Daesh group.
The assault claimed more than 140 lives, the deadliest attack in Russia for almost 20 years.
The board is referred to as a top court for content disputes at Meta, and the social media giant has agreed to abide by its decisions.