The Brazilian Internet: Elon Musk, Digital Sovereignty, and the Role of Regulation
In recent weeks, the debate over possible sanctions against X (formerly Twitter) by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes has raised important questions about digital autonomy in Brazil. While the focus has often been on a perceived clash between Moraes and Elon Musk, this personalization of the issue overlooks a deeper problem: Brazil's lack of digital sovereignty and control over its own online space.
Understanding the Internet as an Extension of National Sovereignty
To grasp the core of this issue, we need to go back to the early days of the internet in Brazil. When the internet first arrived, it was seen as a global, borderless space of free communication. However, this view turned out to be naive. The internet should be understood as an extension of a nation's physical territory, subject to its laws and regulations. Like any physical space, the digital realm also needs protection and regulation to ensure a country’s digital autonomy.
China's Approach to Building Digital Sovereignty
China recognized early on that the internet is more than just a means of global communication; it is an extension of its sovereign territory. As such, China implemented technological barriers and promoted its own digital platforms to maintain digital control and ensure the digital sovereignty of its online space.
Talking about regulation of the internet is not the same as talking about censorship. This association is a simplistic reduction often used by the media and big tech companies to generate clicks and provoke debates. Contrary to the common narrative, China's regulation of social networks is not dictated by a single authoritarian figure but rather follows its national legislation, which is decided collectively within the country. The notion of a "great dictator" is a Westernized and superficial interpretation.
Brazil's Challenge: Digital Sovereignty in a Globalized Internet
In Brazil, a similar oversimplification is often made when discussing figures like Alexandre de Moraes. As a justice on Brazil's Supreme Court, Moraes is often portrayed as someone making decisions based on personal or ego-driven interests. This narrative distorts reality and diverts attention from the real issue: who controls the internet in Brazil? Brazil has historically relied on foreign platforms for its digital infrastructure, which poses a risk to its digital autonomy. When the Brazilian state attempts to impose sanctions or regulate these companies, it faces the challenge that these platforms do not consider themselves subject to Brazilian laws in the same way that domestic companies do.
The Path to Digital Autonomy for Brazil
The actions taken by Alexandre de Moraes against X should not be seen as a mere personal feud. The core issue is more profound: how can Brazil protect its digital sovereignty in an environment where most platforms are controlled by foreign interests? The debate is not about adopting a Chinese-style model entirely but about finding a path for Brazil to build a more autonomous digital infrastructure. Just as the internet should be seen as an extension of our territory, it should be subject to our laws and reflect our national interests.
Moving Forward: Rethinking Brazil's Digital Future
The true debate is about digital autonomy and Brazil's ability to create an internet that respects its laws and values, free from excessive dependence on external actors. Are we ready for this transformation? Or will we continue to reinforce our digital dependency? This is a question that deserves deeper discussion.
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