Brazil Drops Investigation into Elon Musk Over X Platform

Brazilian authorities have dismissed an investigation into Elon Musk, the owner and CEO of X (formerly Twitter), which centered on allegations that he used the platform to obstruct justice and potentially undermine Brazilian institutions. The decision, made by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, follows a request from Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, who cited a lack of evidence to support the claims.

Investigation Background

The investigation, initiated in April 2024, stemmed from concerns over Musk’s criticism of decisions made by Justice Moraes regarding investigations into individuals, particularly supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Musk had also threatened to reactivate accounts of users blocked by the Brazilian justice system. Authorities had been examining whether Musk and X engaged in “obstruction of justice” and “incitement to crime,” and whether a “digital militia” operated through the platform to spread misinformation and exacerbate political polarization .

Prosecutor-General’s Findings

Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet determined that the evidence gathered did not demonstrate intentional wrongdoing by X. He characterized instances of non-compliance with court orders as “operational failures” that were subsequently rectified . Gonet stated there was no indication of a deliberate effort to resist judicial rulings or interfere with investigations.

Justice Moraes’ Decision

Justice Moraes accepted the Prosecutor-General’s recommendation and ordered the archivement of the inquiry on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 . He affirmed that without evidence of malicious intent, further legal action was unwarranted .

Context of Social Media Regulation in Brazil

This case occurs within a broader context of increased scrutiny and regulation of social media platforms in Brazil. Justice Moraes has been a key figure in these efforts, issuing rulings related to the removal of content and the blocking of accounts accused of spreading hate speech, disinformation, and attempting to destabilize democratic institutions . Moraes himself was subject to U.S. Sanctions from July to December, with the Trump administration criticizing the trial of former President Bolsonaro as a “witch hunt.”

Recent Developments Regarding Justice Moraes

Justice Moraes is currently facing scrutiny amid a financial scandal involving alleged exchanges of messages with a bank owner prior to the bank’s arrest and a lucrative contract awarded to his wife’s law firm. Moraes has denied any wrongdoing in a press release .