Free speech concerns as Brazil bans X (Twitter)

Judges in Brazil have ordered that the social media platform X (more commonly known as Twitter) be taken down with immediate effect.

It has prompted an outpouring of free speech concerns, with the owner of X, Elon Musk, using the platform to say that an 'unelected pseudo-judge' is 'destroying' free speech for 'political purposes'.

Judge Alexandre de Moraes who gave the original order said he was concerned over 'disinformation' being shared on the platform.

Brazilians who use virtual private networks (VPNs) in an attempt to get round the ban will face daily fines of 50.000 reais (equivalent to £6,700).

Commentators have warned the Brazilian ban is a 'taste of things to come' for the rest of the world.

Between 2020 and 2023, the Supreme Court in Brazil held three key criminal inquiries related to social media platforms. In April this year, de Moraes ordered X to shut down several far right accounts.

In an interview earlier this year, de Moraes said:

The move to ban X in Brazil and stop its 22 million users from accessing the platform is the result of a long running feud between de Moraes and X's owner Elon Musk.

It highlights the current dividing line between those who think social media companies get away with too much and should be forced to comply with the law, and those who think there is a creeping censorship, of which this is another example.

There is no doubt that this move will be interpreted by some as a clampdown on free speech and freedom of expression online.

This tension between upholding freedom of expression and ensuring social media companies do what they can do to stop the spread of genuinely harmful content will be an ongoing debate, not only in Brazil but across the Western World.

The Apostle Paul commands the church to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-4) and the reason given is so that that gospel (which requires free speech!) can spread.

Christians must pray for judges, politicians, social media bosses and they navigate competing demands.

What is clear is that free speech is a precious thing and one that can be lost due to good intentions that lead to misguided and dangerous laws and practices.