Brazilian supreme court Judge orders blocking of Telegram in country - Reports
Telegram is blocked for accusations of spreading incorrect information in Brazil and for refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.
Telegram was previously accused of "neglecting the duty" to block profiles that propagate allegedly incorrect information. Among them was one of President Jair Bolsonaro's closest pals, political blogger Allan dos Santos, who has been investigated for distributing "false news and attacking judges."
According to the G1 newsagency, a Brazilian Supreme Court judge has ruled that Telegram be barred in the country. The decision was made due to Telegram's alleged reputation for refusing to cooperate with law enforcement and judicial agencies in many nations.
The federal police allegedly submitted the motion to stop the instant messaging service, telling the court that Telegram is "notorious for its non-cooperation position with judicial and police authorities in various countries."
According to the police, the messaging app was accused of refusing to comply with authorities and thus creating a platform for the circulation of various items, "including ramifications in the criminal sector."
Alexandre de Moraes, the head of Brazil's Supreme Court, stated that Telegram had disobeyed earlier court judgments and displayed "total disdain for Brazilian justice." According to him, the messenger's work is incompatible with Brazil's constitutional structure.
CNN Brazil reported that the court order has already been sent to Brazilian digital platforms and Internet providers such as Algar Telecom, OI, Sky, Live Tim, Vivo, Net Virtua, and GVT. Failure to comply with the blocking requirement might result in fines of up to 100,000 reais (almost $20,000) each day.