Ernesto Araújo, a former foreign minister under Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, called on the Biden administration to condemn Brazil’s ban on social media platform X, stating that the U.S. has a responsibility to speak up for democracy and freedom. The ban was implemented by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes due to X’s failure to comply with court orders and appoint a legal representative in the country. X, owned by Elon Musk, has refused to comply, leading to a complete suspension of its operations in Brazil. Musk accused the judge of attacking free speech and violating the Brazilian constitution for political reasons.
The White House and the U.S. State Department have remained silent on the issue, sparking criticism from Araújo. He believes that the U.S. has an international responsibility to support those who defend freedom, rather than those who seek to destroy it. Many users in Brazil have shifted to alternative platforms following the X ban, such as Bluesky and Threads. Concerns have been raised that the ban on X could set a precedent for further restrictions on other platforms and services in the country.
The ban on X has divided Brazil, with protests planned to coincide with the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Many fear that the courts could target other platforms and services if they are deemed to pose a threat. However, alternatives such as Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service, offer access to communities in remote areas of Brazil that would otherwise lack connectivity. Araújo is concerned about Brazil’s international alliances, particularly with countries like China, Russia, and Iran, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Araújo criticized the Biden administration for its perceived support of Lula and the political Left in Brazil, which he sees as detrimental to freedom and democracy. He believes that some individuals within the State Department and Democratic Party view Lula as a friend and ally, despite his alleged ties to authoritarian regimes. The situation in Brazil highlights broader concerns about free speech, political polarization, and the role of social media in shaping public discourse. The lack of a response from the White House underscores tensions between the U.S. and Brazil over issues of democracy and human rights.
The ongoing conflict over the X ban reflects a larger struggle for political power and influence in Brazil, with implications for regional stability and international relations. Araújo’s call for U.S. intervention underscores the importance of American leadership in promoting democratic values and protecting civil liberties around the world. The outcome of the X controversy will likely have far-reaching consequences for the future of free speech and digital rights in Brazil and beyond. It remains to be seen how the Biden administration will navigate these complex challenges and uphold its commitment to democracy in the hemisphere.
