U.S. Official Calls Brazil‑Ordered X Algorithm Change 'Censorship'

Overview

• X added a Brazil2026ElectionFilter to its recommendation code that prevents posts from official candidate accounts from being algorithmically recommended to users who do not follow those accounts while keeping the posts live on candidates’ profile pages.
• X says the change was made in strict compliance with Tribunal Superior Eleitoral Resolution No. 23.610/2019, which requires platforms to exclude official candidate profiles from recommendation systems except for paid promotions.
• U.S. Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers publicly described the platform update as "censorship imposed by Brazil," arguing the reduction in organic reach amounts to interference in political speech.
• The criticism comes against a broader deterioration in U.S.–Brazil relations that has included new U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, the revocation of Brazil’s ambassadorial visa, and reporting that the U.S. government is weighing targeted sanctions on Brazilian officials.
• Practical effects will likely include reduced organic reach for candidates unless they are followed or pay for promotion, and observers should watch whether the dispute prompts further U.S. policy responses or legal challenges and how the TSE enforces its auditing and compliance rules.