CBS News
Judge suspends X platform in Brazil amid feud with Elon Musk
A Brazilian Supreme Court justice on Friday ordered the suspension of Elon Musk’s social media giant X in Brazil after the tech billionaire refused to name a legal representative in the country, according to a copy of the decision seen by The Associated Press
The move further escalates the monthslong feud between the two men over free speech, far-right accounts and misinformation.
Justice Alexandre de Moraes had warned Musk on Wednesday night that X, formerly known as Twitter, could be blocked in Brazil if he failed to comply with his order to name a representative, and established a 24-hour deadline. The company hasn’t had a representative in the country since earlier this month.
Eraldo Peres / AP
In his decision, de Moraes gave internet service providers and app stores five days to block access to X, and said the platform will remain blocked until it complies with his orders. He also said people or companies who use virtual private networks, or VPNs, to access X will be subject to daily fines of 50,000 reais, or $8,900.
“Elon Musk showed his total disrespect for Brazilian sovereignty and, in particular, for the judiciary, setting himself up as a true supranational entity and immune to the laws of each country,” de Moraes wrote.
Brazil is an important market for X, which has struggled with the loss of advertisers since Musk purchased it in 2022. Market research group Emarketer says some 40 million Brazilians, roughly one-fifth of the population, access X at least once per month.
X had posted on its official Global Government Affairs page late Thursday that it expected X to be shut down by de Moraes, “simply because we would not comply with his illegal orders to censor his political opponents.”
“When we attempted to defend ourselves in court, Judge de Moraes threatened our Brazilian legal representative with imprisonment. Even after she resigned, he froze all of her bank accounts,” the company wrote. “Our challenges against his manifestly illegal actions were either dismissed or ignored. Judge de Moraes’ colleagues on the Supreme Court are either unwilling or unable to stand up to him.”
X has clashed with de Moraes over its reluctance to comply with orders to block users.
Accounts that the platform previously has shut down on Brazilian orders include lawmakers affiliated with former President Jair Bolsonaro’s right-wing party and activists accused of undermining Brazilian democracy.
Musk, a self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” has repeatedly claimed the justice’s actions amount to censorship, and his argument has been echoed by Brazil’s political right. He has often insulted de Moraes on his platform, characterizing him as a dictator and tyrant.
De Moraes’ defenders have said his actions aimed at X have been lawful, supported by most of the court’s full bench, and have served to protect democracy at a time in which it is imperiled. His order Friday is based on Brazilian law requiring foreign companies to have representation in the country so they can be notified when there are legal cases against them.
Given that operators are aware of the widely publicized standoff and their obligation to comply with an order from de Moraes, plus the fact doing so isn’t complicated, X could be offline as early as 12 hours after receiving their instructions, said Luca Belli, coordinator of the Technology and Society Center at the Getulio Vargas Foundation, a university in Rio de Janeiro.
The shutdown is not unprecedented in Brazil.
Lone Brazilian judges shut down Meta’s WhatsApp, the nation’s most widely used messaging app, several times in 2015 and 2016 due to the company’s refusal to comply with police requests for user data. In 2022, de Moraes threatened the messaging app Telegram with a nationwide shutdown, arguing it had repeatedly ignored Brazilian authorities’ requests to block profiles and provide information. He ordered Telegram to appoint a local representative; the company ultimately complied and stayed online.
X and its former incarnation, Twitter, have been banned in several countries — mostly authoritarian regimes such as Russia, China, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Venezuela and Turkmenistan. Other countries, such as Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, have also temporarily suspended X before, usually to quell dissent and unrest. Twitter was banned in Egypt after the Arab Spring uprisings, which some dubbed the “Twitter revolution,” but it has since been restored.
A search Friday on X showed hundreds of Brazilian users inquiring about VPNs that could potentially enable them to continue using the platform by making it appear they were logging on from outside the country. It was not immediately clear how Brazilian authorities would police this practice and impose fines cited by de Moraes.
Mariana de Souza Alves Lima, known by her handle MariMoon, showed her 1.4 million followers on X that she would go to rival social network BlueSky, posting a screenshot and saying: “That is where I’m going.”
X said that it plans to publish what it has called de Moraes’ “illegal demands” and related court filings “in the interest of transparency.”
Also on Thursday evening, Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet service provider, said on X that de Moraes this week froze its finances, preventing it from doing any transactions in the country where it has more than 250,000 customers.
“This order is based on an unfounded determination that Starlink should be responsible for the fines levied—unconstitutionally—against X. It was issued in secret and without affording Starlink any of the due process of law guaranteed by the Constitution of Brazil. We intend to address the matter legally,” Starlink said in its statement.
Musk replied to people sharing the reports of the freeze, adding insults directed at de Moraes. “This guy @Alexandre is an outright criminal of the worst kind, masquerading as a judge,” he wrote.
Musk later posted on X that SpaceX, which runs Starlink, will provide free internet service in Brazil “until the matter is resolved” since “we cannot receive payment, but don’t want to cut anyone off.”
In his decision, de Moraes said he ordered the freezing of Starlink’s assets, as X didn’t have enough money in its accounts to cover mounting fines and reasoning that the two companies are part of the same economic group.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
A cooler rate climate benefits a wide range of borrowers. From prospective homebuyers to current owners looking to refinance to those saddled with high rates on personal loans and credit cards, lower rates offer a welcome economic reprieve. They also require a different approach than what many have been accustomed to in recent years. And with the Federal Reserve officially cutting its federal funds rate for the first time in four years on Wednesday, now could be that time.
For those considering borrowing from their home equity, there are multiple options available. But a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is arguably the best and most cost-effective way to do so right now, particularly compared to home equity loans and cash-out refinancing. Below, we’ll detail why you should strongly consider borrowing with a HELOC as the Fed begins to cut interest rates.
Start by seeing how low of a HELOC rate you could secure here.
Why you should open a HELOC as the Fed cuts rates
A HELOC, for much of the last two years, has arguably been a less beneficial way to borrow from your home equity than a home equity loan. That’s because the latter comes with a fixed rate that will only change if refinanced. And that was a major advantage in a climate in which rates were raised numerous times between 2022 and 2023.
But that environment looks to be changing now.
With the first rate cut since 2020 issued this week, and two additional ones likely for November and December (when the Fed meets again), a HELOC could take the preferential place of home equity loans.
That’s because HELOC rates are variable and subject to change as the rate climate does (usually every month). That’s a drawback when rates are high and rising but now becomes a distinct advantage as rates cool again. With a HELOC, borrowers will automatically see their rate fall without having to refinance on their own.
Not only will they then save with a lower rate, but they’ll also save out-of-pocket costs if they had pursued a home equity loan. That’s because home equity loans come with closing costs to refinance (1% to 5% of the loan’s value, on average). But if you pursue a HELOC, you can add those savings to what you’ve already got back with the rate drops.
It’s not a perfect trade-off, and right now, home equity loans have better rates than HELOCs (8.46% versus 9.26%). But if you’re looking to position yourself for maximum savings ahead of additional rate cuts, a HELOC may be best to open now.
Get started with a HELOC today.
Don’t forget the tax benefits
A HELOC, in addition to the variable rate nature that benefits borrowers right now, also comes with tax advantages. Specifically, you can deduct the interest paid on the line of credit if you use it for eligible home repairs and renovations. At the same time, home equity loans also come with the same tax benefit. So carefully consider your intended use before getting started and don’t make this the deciding factor considering both options offer the same tax feature.
The bottom line
A HELOC could soon become the preferential home equity borrowing option, if it isn’t already. With a variable interest rate that is set to decline as overall rates do, borrowers could be well-positioned to realize additional savings in the future without having to do any of the work (or pay for any of the costs) associated with refinancing a home equity loan. But both borrowing options do have tax benefits, and other unique features, so weigh them carefully against one another to better determine which one is the right fit for you now.
Amazon
The holiday season will be here before you know it, and the PlayStation 5 video game console, along with its impressive selection of games and accessories, will once again be at the very top of almost every gamer’s wish list.
To make sure you’re able to get your hands on the most sought-after games and accessories, we highly recommend shopping early. In fact, there’s no need to wait for the upcoming Amazon Prime Deal Days sale event in October. To reward you for tackling your holiday shopping early, many popular PS5 games and accessories are on sale right now.
Pro Tip: If you want to save some cash buying a PlayStation 5 video game console, Amazon has a selection of “Renewed” PS5 systems in various configurations on sale.
Best PS5 games and accessory deals
During the upcoming Amazon Prime Deal Days sale event that will be happen on October 8 and October 9, you can bet that many popular PlayStation 5 games and accessories — and maybe a few game console systems or bundles — will be on sale. However, supplies will likely be limited. Instead of waiting for this mega-sale to kick off, start your shopping early and pick up some of these popular PS5 games and accessories that are on sale right now.
Which are the very best PS5 games you available this fall? Find out by reading our coverage of the best-selling Sony PlayStation 5 games right now. And if you need to expand the storage capacity of your PS5, we’ve got you covered with our roundup of the best PS5 hard drives of 2024.
‘Madden NFL 24’: $24 (65% off)
Amazon
Football fans of all ages love the “Madden NFL” video game franchise. Year-after-year, each new edition pushes the limits of what’s possible in a sports simulation game and is able to offer an experience that’s even more authentic. “Madden NFL 24” is no exception.
This American football simulation brings all the intensity and realism of NFL players, drafts, and strategies to your PS5. Game modes include Superstar: The League, Superstar: Showdown, Franchise, Madden Ultimate Team, and Cross-play for endless variation.
We love that this game offers anatomically accurate player skeletons that are more responsive. This allows the game to showcase true-to-life player motion during gameplay. Plus, the Field SENSE animation technology provides greater control, realism, and immersion when performing complex maneuvers. And in this edition of the game, AI enhanced movement makes it easier for your team to execute your game plan with ball carrier pathfinding and QB and DB awareness.
For a limited time, get a whopping 65% off this bestselling PS5 game. You can get it on Amazon right now for just $24.
‘Marvel Spider-Man 2’: $58 (16% off)
Amazon
Whether you’re an OG Spider-Man comic book fan or love the movie franchise, “Marvel Spider-Man 2” puts gamers in control of their favorite superhero in an all-new, action-oriented, web-slinging adventure.
Spider-Men, Peter Parker and Miles Morales all return for this exciting adventure in the mega-popular “Marvel’s Spider-Man” game franchise. Players can swing, jump, and utilize the new Web Wings to travel across New York. Quickly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to experience different stories and utilize epic new powers.
Of course, the game features iconic villains, like Venom, who threaten to destroy the city and reek havoc on its population. In this game, you can experience two playable Spider-Men and quickly switch between them. Experience Peter’s new symbiote abilities and Miles’ bio-electric venom powers. Along the way, discover upgradeable, high-tech equipment that enhances the combat experience.
You can get this game right now for 16% off, which means you’ll pay just $58. The game has earned an impressive 4.7-star out of five rating on Amazon.
‘Grand Theft Auto V’: $26 (35% off)
Amazon
When it comes to no-holds-barred action with mature themes, there’s no more popular and exciting game than “Grand Theft Auto 5,” which is part of the bestselling and iconic Grand Theft Auto franchise.
This version of the game, which is suitable for gamers over the age of 18, features stunning 4K (60 fps) resolution graphics that offer HDR options, ray tracing, improved texture quality, and more. This is all accompanied by immersive 3D audio.
For fans of the Grand Theft Auto games, this is definitely not one to miss. And right now, Amazon has it on sale for 35%, so you can add it to your PS5 game library for just $26.
‘Elden Ring’: $50 (17% off)
Amazon
“Elden Ring” is one of the all-time most popular fantasy action-RPG games available for the PlayStation 5. For a limited time, Amazon has it on sale for just $50 — that’s 17% off its usual price.
As this adventure unfolds, players journey through the Lands Between, an intricate fantasy world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of the “Dark Souls” video game series, and the legendary author George R. R. Martin.
Players traverse the world on foot or on horseback. This adventure can be experienced alone or online with other players. Whichever option you choose, expect to fully immerse yourself in the grassy plains, suffocating swamps, spiraling mountains and within the foreboding castles. Plan to charge into battle, pick off enemies one-by-one using stealth, and periodically calling upon allies for aid.
Throughout the adventure, many options are at your disposal, so it’s up to you to decide how to approach exploration and combat. Based on more than 5,000 reviews on Amazon, this game has earned a 4.6-star rating out of five.
‘Sonic Frontiers’: $20 (50% off)
Amazon
The world’s fastest hedgehog with an attitude springs into action in this new, ultra-fast-paced game for the PlayStation 5. It’s rated E10+, so it’s suitable for players over the age of 10.
For a limited time, Amazon has slashed an incredible 50% off the price of this bestselling game, so you’ll pay just $20. Based on more than 2,000 Amazon reviews, it’s earned an impressive 4.6-star out of five rating.
During this whirlwind adventure, players can race across five massive islands — each featuring their own unique challenges and hidden secrets to uncover. As players blaze their trail, there are side quests to discover, puzzles to solve, and enormous structures to climb. There’s even an all-new battle system with skill tree upgrades, so players can combine moves such as dodges, parries, counters, combos, and the new Cyloop ability to take down foes.
‘Street Fighter 6’: $40 (34% off)
Amazon
For extreme hand-to-hand combat action, “Street Fighter 6” has it all. This bestselling game is currently on sale on Amazon for just $40, which is 34% off it’s regular $60 price. The game has a “T” rating, so it’s suitable for players over the age of 12.
From “Street Fighter 6,” expect classic action from the iconic arcade games, but with a few new twists that take full advantage of the PlayStation 5’s capabilities. Choose from 18 characters, including the legendary World Warriors. You’ll also discover exciting new characters that add their own flair to the game.
The Street Fighter game franchise continues to redefine the fighting genre with the introduction of three new gaming modes – Fighting Ground, World Tour and Battle Hub. And for the first time, you can experience the game’s real-time commentary feature, so you can hear narration of what’s happening on-screen, as if you’re in a real tournament.
‘Resident Evil 4’: $30 (25% off)
Amazon
Here’s another example of a game from an iconic and bestselling franchise that’s now on sale on Amazon. Snag a copy of “Resident Evil 4” for the PlayStation 5 for 25% off, so you can add it to your game library for a mere $30.
This game delivers breathtakingly photorealistic visuals in 4K, complete with stunning lighting and pooling shadows to create an up-close, intense virtual world.
“Resident Evil 4” manages to preserve the essence of the original game, that’s been reconstructed using Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine. As a result, it now delivers more realistic visuals and additional narrative depth that helps the iconic story unfold in a way that was not possible at the time of the original “Resident Evil” game was first released.
Players can expect to engage in frenzied combat with the Ganados villagers, while exploring a European village that’s gripped by madness. Of course, there are some puzzles to solve, new areas to explore and useful items for Leon and Ashley to collect. But at the heart of this game is non-stop action and a constant struggle to survive.
‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage’: $31 (38% off)
Amazon
“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” is a narrative-driven, action-adventure experience. It follows the transformation of a defiant young man into a refined Master Assassin. Yes, this game has earned an “M” rating, so it’s most suitable for players over the age of 18.
Right now, you can experience “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” for just $31 on your PlayStation 5 — that’s 38% off its usual $50 price.
One you load this game, you’ll journey to Alamut, the legendary home of the Assassins. These are the folks who laid the foundations of the Creed in this heartfelt homage to the original “Assassin’s Creed” game.
Are you ready to take on the role of Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions who is seeking answers and justice as he navigates the streets of Baghdad to survive? Put your gaming skills to the test and find out.
‘Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III’: $49 (32% off)
Amazon
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” for the PlayStation 5 is the bestselling sequel to the 2022 blockbuster “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II,” but this game offers even more intense and realistic military combat action.
As this game’s story unfolds, the ultranationalist war criminal Vladimir Makarov is extending his grasp across the world. This causes Task Force 141 to fight like never before. So, when you’re engaged in combat, making proper choices is essential.
Choose your soldier’s loadouts and then select your own path through the mission. What we love about this game is that it introduces open combat missions that provide more player choice. There’s no single solution to achieve victory.
“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III” features all 16 maps from the original “Modern Warfare 2” game, but they’ve been modernized with new modes and gameplay features. You can also experience more than 12 all-new core 6v6 maps and new Ground War maps.
Amazon has cut the price of this game by 32%, so it’s available for a limited time for just $49.
‘Diablo IV’: $41 (41% off)
Amazon
Take advantage of this rare opportunity to experience the popular “Diablo IV” role-playing game on your PS5 for 41% off, so you can purchase it for just $41. Keep in mind, an online subscription is required to play the game.
This latest version in the game franchise offers endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons to explore, and plenty of loot to collect. You can embark on the adventure alone or with friends. Plan on interacting with memorable characters as you experience the dark settings and gripping storyline.
At the start, a band of adventurers infiltrate an ancient tomb as they seek out a bountiful collection of gold. This, however, unleashes Lilith — The Daughter of Hatred, The Mother of Sanctuary. It’s at this point, the demon slaying becomes a necessity for survival. As your character gets stronger and more powerful, more complex challenges are revealed.
When in multiplayer mode, players can meet in towns to trade, team up to battle World Bosses, or descend into player-versus-player zones to test your skills against other players — no lobbies necessary — with cross-play and cross-progression offered across all compatible gaming platforms.
What’s great about this game is that it continues to evolve with new events, stories, seasons and rewards continuously being released.
PlayStation DualSense Controller for PS5: $70 (7% off)
Amazon
The PlayStation 5 game consoles include one hand-held controller. If you want extras, they must be purchased separately. Right now, you can purchase a genuine Sony PlayStation DualSense Controller for 7% off, which brings its price down to $70.
The DualSense Controllers are the most popular wireless controller options for the PlayStation 5. They’re available in a bunch of color options, so be sure to pick your favorite.
With these controllers, you can feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback. Plus, experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers. These controllers also have a built-in microphone for in-game chatting. However, you can easily connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack.
Nubwo G06 dual wireless gaming headset for PS5: $40 (50% off)
Amazon
For anyone who enjoys real-time, multi-player online games, using a gaming headset allows you to hear the sound effects and music generated by the game, but at the same time communicate with friends and enemies.
This dual wireless gaming headset works with the PS5 and other popular gaming platforms. It offers up to a 100 hour battery life per charge and features 50mm drivers that are able to generate crisp and robust audio.
The headset has a built-in and adjustable boom microphone. Head over to Amazon to grab this popular headset for 50% off, which brings its price down to just $40. Based on more than 1,800 reviews on Amazon, this headset from Nubwo has earned a 4.2-star out of five rating.
Razer Kaira X wired gaming headset: $36 (40% off)
Amazon
At CBS Essentials, our gaming experts are huge fans of Razer and all of the brand’s gaming products. Right now, one of the company’s more popular wired gaming headsets, the Kaira X, is on sale for 40% off. This means you can add it to your PS5 gaming gear collection for a mere $36.
The headset offers memory foam ear cushions for extra comfort. Plus, the headset itself is available six color options. On the end of the integrated cable is a 3.5 millimeter audio jack. So, aside from its primary use with the PlayStation 5, the headset works with other popular platforms, like a Windows PC, Mac and even some mobile devices.
One thing we love about these headphones is that it feature drivers that can tune highs, mids, and lows separately. This produces a brighter, clearer sound with richer trebles and more powerful bass. Based on more than 2,900 reviews on Amazon, these headphones have earned a highly-respectable 4.5-star rating out of five.
Want to learn about even more PS5 gaming accessories that can enhance your experiences playing your favorite games? Check out our coverage of the best PS5 accessories.
Razer Wolverine V2 Pro wireless gaming controller: $220 (12% off)
Amazon
When it comes to choosing a wireless gaming controller for use with the PlayStation 5, you have hundreds of options. Some are very inexpensive and basically useless when it comes to precision accuracy, while others are considerable more expensive than Sony’s own DualSense controllers.
These premium options, like the Razer Wolverine V2 Pro controllers, are designed for hard-core gamers who demand the ultimate in customizability, precision, and performance.
The Wolverine V2 Pro controller delivers an ultra-fast 2.4GHz wireless connection via its included USB Type-A dongle. This ensures seamless performance that meets the demands of competitive gaming on PS5 consoles. You also get a shorter actuation distance for quicker button presses and improved tactility to feel every input. As a result, the controller can bring a whole new level of speed and consistency to your competitive gameplay.
Another popular feature is the integrated RGB lighting that can showcase more than 16.8 million colors and a suite of effects that are selectable and customizable using the Razer Controller smartphone app.
At the moment, Amazon is offering this popular PS5 wireless controller for 12% off, so you can own it for just $220. Use it to take your gaming experiences to the next level. To learn about other handheld controller options, check out our coverage of the best handheld video game controllers in 2024.
If your shopping for younger games who own the Nintendo Switch video game system, our team of in-house game experts have curated a roundup of the best Nintendo Switch games for the 2024 holiday season that you should be sure to check out.
Watch CBS News
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.
