Alexandre de Moraes, a judge at the Brazilian Supreme Court, fined Telegram messenger 1.2million reais (around $237,000) for failing complying with a court-order. The service was previously ordered to block Nicholas Ferreira’s account (Nikolas Ferreira) for disseminating false information.
In an investigation into the riots that were organized in Brazil’s capital by supporters of the former president, the court ruling said that Telegram had been ordered to close five accounts. Telegram accounts were used to spread hateful content, and for calling for the destruction of law and order by politicians and influencers.
Telegram didn’t block Congressman Ferreira’s account despite this ruling. The court ruled that Telegram’s administration of the messenger questioned the investigation decision, which was the basis for imposition of a fine. “Substantial non-compliance by the relevant service providers is objective evidence of acceptance of the continued commission of the crimes under investigation”The court order was signed.
Telegram must pay the fine within five business days after the court order is approved, according to data. Official representatives of the service are yet to comment on this matter. Noting that Telegram was suspended in the country by Judge Moraes in March 2013 for refusing to ban accounts whose owners spread misinformation, Telegram then blocked the accounts of violators a few days later. The judge cancelled the decision.