Brazil: bolsonarists euphoric after the takeover of Twitter

The takeover of Twitter by American Elon Musk was greeted with euphoria in Brazil by supporters of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who are celebrating the “end of censorship” in this election year.

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The head of state, who will run for a new term in October, shared a tweet from the man of the richest in the world on his official account: “I hope that even my worst critics will remain on Twitter, it’s what freedom of expression means.

“The takeover of Twitter by Elon Musk is an important step in the fight for freedom,” tweeted Bolsonarist MP Bia Kicis, shortly after Monday’s confirmation of the takeover of the social network.

“Freedom is wonderful. It allows those who do not like the end of censorship on Twitter to leave the network without problem, ”she quipped a few hours later.

“Elon Musk never censored anyone. On the contrary, many people are coming back to Twitter. But it is enough for the new boss to promise freedom of expression for some to leave, ”added MP Eduardo Bolsonaro, one of the president’s sons, on Tuesday.

Jair Bolsonaro also mentioned a movement to close their account by users unhappy with the takeover, sharing an article from the Uol news site explaining how to deactivate his account. “Good article,” he commented.

“Elon Musk is swimming in the tears of the global left,” mocked Bolsonarist MP Carla Zambelli.

Beyond the political world, many Bolsonarist Internet users also celebrated the takeover of Twitter, “the most important political event in decades”, according to influencer Leandro Ruschel.

Jair Bolsonaro has seen several of his posts on Twitter and other social networks deleted for misinformation.

He had reacted vehemently last month to the temporary blocking of Telegram messaging, on the order of a Supreme Court judge, for non-compliance with judicial decisions which called for the deletion of accounts spreading false information.

Two weeks ago, Mr. Bolsonaro had deemed “inadmissible” a WhatsApp agreement with the Superior Electoral Court aimed at combating misinformation.

Messaging has agreed to postpone until the end of the presidential election the launch in Brazil of a new device already available worldwide allowing the creation of larger groups for sending collective messages.

In 2018, the ballot was tainted by the massive dissemination of false information, in particular on Whatsapp, which is very popular in Brazil.

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