The reinstatement of social media platform X in Brazil suffered an unexpected administrative setback on Friday after Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes ruled that the company had deposited 28.6 million reais ($5.24 million) in fines into the wrong bank account.
Attorneys representing Elon Musk's microblogging network had informed the court earlier in the day that all accumulated financial penalties had been paid in full, requesting an immediate end to the nationwide suspension enforced since late August.
Banking Error Delays Anticipated Lifting of Month-Long Platform Suspension
However, Justice de Moraes issued an official judicial order clarifying that the platform had deposited the funds at Caixa Econômica Federal rather than the legally mandated escrow judicial account administered by Banco do Brasil.
The justice directed Caixa Econômica Federal to immediately execute a wire transfer of the entire sum to the correct judicial deposit account, ruling that the court will only evaluate lifting the nationwide block once the receipt of funds is formally validated.
“The deposit of fines must be effected to the specific escrow account legally designated by this Court before any review of platform restoration can proceed.” — Justice Alexandre de Moraes, Supreme Federal Court of Brazil
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Once the financial transfer is finalized, the case will be forwarded to Brazil's Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet for a statutory review, representing the final formal hurdle before the court issues an unblocking decree.
The fine payment caps a dramatic retreat by Elon Musk, who previously vowed defiance against Brazilian court rulings before ultimately complying by naming a local legal representative, blocking targeted accounts, and paying all penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Brazilian Supreme Court delay unblocking X?
The platform deposited its 28.6 million reais fine into Caixa Econômica Federal rather than the court's official Banco do Brasil account.
What steps must occur before X can resume service in Brazil?
The funds must be transferred to the correct account, followed by formal endorsement from the Prosecutor General and a court order.
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