Brazil's Supreme Court suspends Telegram messaging app

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes ordered messaging app Telegram to be shut down Friday as part of an effort to combat disinformation about the country's electoral system.

The request to de Moraes was made by Federal Police after Telegram did not comply with court decisions to block profiles that were labeled as disseminators of fake news and hate speech ahead of presidential elections in October.

The move is a blow to President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies who have used the app to promote his reelection bid.

The app was Bolsonaro's favorite social platform after he was the target of censorship by Facebook and Google for spreading fake news about the coronavirus pandemic.

Bolsonaro has more than 1 million followers on the platform.

De Moraes established a daily fine of $20,000 for companies that do not comply with the ruling to block Telegram in Brazil.

“The Telegram platform, at every possible opportunity, failed to heed judicial orders in a total disregard for the Brazilian judiciary,” de Moraes said in his ruling.

Bolsonaro was quick to react, posting a link on Twitter to subscribe to his Telegram channel, which was operating normally.

“Our Telegram informs people every day of many important actions of national interest, which many regrettably omit,” wrote Bolsonaro. “Welcome, and share the truth.”

The ruling raises the tension between the Supreme Federal Court and Bolsonaro, who said last year that he would not accept de Moraes’ decisions.

De Moraes gave Apple, Google and Brazilian mobile phone carriers five days to block Telegram on their platforms.