Elon Musk's X Shuts Down Brazil Operations

Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter, faces criticism for monetizing free speech, with users believing Musk champions it, while in reality, he has made access to audiences a paid privilege. Independent journalists have benefitted from this shift but acknowledge that Musk's interests lie primarily in his own financial gain. Additionally, X has closed its operations in Brazil following threats from Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who demanded compliance with censorship orders under threat of legal action against its staff. This closure highlights ongoing tensions with Brazilian authorities, where critics of the government face suppression. Musk has also aggressively pursued at least 23 lawsuits since July 2023, often described as retaliatory against those who challenge his business practices or content moderation policies. Legal experts suggest Musk's litigation strategy reflects a desire to punish critics rather than seek justice, further complicating his stance on free speech.