Today in Focus Why Brazil is taking on Elon Musk
7 snips
Sep 12, 2024 
Tom Phillips, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, delves into the heated feud between Elon Musk and Brazil's government over his platform X. He discusses the consequences of misinformation and hate speech in Brazilian politics and how Musk's refusal to comply with local laws led to the abrupt shutdown of the platform. The transformative yet dual-edged role of Starlink in the Amazon is also examined, spotlighting its impact on connectivity and environmental exploitation. This clash highlights Brazil's stance against big tech amid global governance challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Starlink in the Amazon
- Tom Phillips, reporting from the Amazon, found Starlink routers at illegal mining sites.
- This highlighted Musk's presence even in remote areas and his growing influence in Brazil.
X's influence in Brazil
- Twitter (now X) had over 20 million Brazilian users, making it a major platform.
- During Bolsonaro's presidency and the 2022 elections, it became a hotbed for misinformation.
Musk's Support for the Far-Right
- Musk openly supported the far-right in Brazil and criticized Judge Alexandre de Moraes.
- Pro-Bolsonaro rallies featured posters thanking Musk, illustrating his support for the movement.