The digital law specialist and coordinator of the law course at ESPM, Marcelo Crespo, analyzed CNN 360° the possible legal consequences of a possible blocking of the social network X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil.
The discussion arises after the decision by Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), to block Starlink’s accounts in the country due to the absence of X representatives in the national territory.
According to Crespo, if the company does not appoint a legal representative within the stipulated period, the consequences may include disobedience of a court order and the attribution of criminal liability for crimes committed on the platform.
The expert highlights that blocking the social network would probably occur through an order for providers to block the application’s IP.
VPN access and legal implications
Crespo explains that, even with a possible block, it would be possible to access the platform through a VPN (virtual private network), which disguises the user’s location.
However, the expert warns that the use of VPNs to bypass the block could lead to the identification of users and their possible inclusion in the investigation for non-compliance with a court order.
Starlink Accountability
Regarding the decision to block the accounts of Starlink, another Elon Musk company, to collect fines applied to X, Crespo clarifies that it is possible to hold companies in the same economic group liable when they act with a specific purpose, such as spreading fake news or failing to comply with court orders.
The expert argues that although Musk is not officially the CEO of the companies, his public behavior as the person responsible for directing both justifies the connection between them for purposes of legal liability.
Crespo emphasizes that this practice is not uncommon in Brazil and occurs in various legal contexts.
The situation remains evolving, with potential developments in the coming days as the deadline for appointing a legal representative for X in Brazil approaches.
This content was originally published in CNN Brasil, an expert explains the legal consequences of a possible blocking of X in Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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