Rio de Janeiro, October 5, 2024 – Elon Musk’s social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), has found itself embroiled in further controversy in Brazil after paying $5.2 million in fines to the wrong account. The fines were imposed following the platform’s failure to comply with a series of court orders related to the spread of disinformation.
Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who ordered the shutdown of X in August, revealed the platform had mistakenly transferred the funds to an incorrect account, adding to the tension between the tech company and Brazilian authorities.
The fines were part of ongoing penalties against X for its non-compliance with court orders aimed at curbing the spread of false information on the platform. Brazil's government has been increasingly strict with social media platforms, taking steps to regulate content that promotes disinformation, particularly ahead of elections.
While the platform has been working to resolve its legal issues in Brazil, this latest blunder may prolong the company's troubles in the country. Justice Moraes has yet to comment on whether further actions will be taken in light of the incorrect payment.
X has yet to issue an official statement regarding the error.