Brazilians defy ban on X, VPN demand surges 1,600% despite threat of fines

Brazilians are pushing back against the government’s ban on the social media platform X, with demand for VPNs skyrocketing despite the threat of nearly $9,000 daily fines for those who find workarounds to access Elon Musk's site.

The surge in VPN usage echoes a similar trend seen in Pakistan, where citizens have relied on VPNs to access X since its unannounced ban following the February 8 general elections.

According to a Business Insider report, the ban on X (formerly Twitter) was imposed in Brazil on Friday, intensifying a protracted public clash between Elon Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes over issues of content moderation and freedom of expression. Musk has refused to adhere to de Moraes' directives to remove content linked to far-right groups, labeling the judge’s demands as censorship.

Justice de Moraes ordered X to remain banned in the country until the platform appoints a legal representative to address government requests for account suspensions. He also warned that those using VPNs to circumvent the ban could face daily fines of 50,000 reais ($8,900)—an amount exceeding the average annual income in Brazil, as reported by The New York Times.

Despite the potential financial penalties, VPN demand in Brazil has surged by 1,600%, according to VPNMentor, a website that aids users in finding and using VPNs to protect their online privacy.

Meanwhile, alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads have seen a significant increase in user numbers. Bluesky reported more than 500,000 new users over the weekend, with the platform experiencing record levels of activity. Threads also saw a notable uptick, ranking as the most downloaded iPhone app in Brazil during the same period.

Brazil's Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes attends an event where he received a tribute by the Public Ministry of Sao Paulo, after the Brazilian Supreme Court ordered an immediate suspension of social media platform X in the country, in Sao Paulo, Brazil August 30, 2024.REUTERS

Although X is not as widely used as other platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok in Brazil, many citizens feel isolated from global conversations without it. Critics argue that the ban is oppressive and contradictory, considering de Moraes' stated goal of curbing authoritarian extremism.

"I’ve frequently used VPNs in authoritarian countries like China to stay connected to news sites and social media," said Maurício Santoro, a political science professor at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, in a post on X before the ban took effect. "I never imagined this tool would be outlawed in Brazil. It feels dystopian."

What is the conflict about?

Justice Alexandre de Moraes and Elon Musk have been at odds for months over X's failure to block accounts spreading "fake news" and hate speech.

Moraes had ordered X to comply with legal demands or face penalties, including arresting X's legal representatives in Brazil. In response, X shut down its Brazil offices, citing censorship, though the service remained operational.

Moraes ordered X to be taken down immediately and also ordered to freeze Starlink’s financial assets to cover $3.28 million in unpaid fines imposed on X. Musk criticized Moraes as a "dictator" on the platform.

X is a key communication tool in Brazil, especially for political discourse ahead of upcoming municipal elections. Reactions to the feud are polarized: some view Moraes’s actions as a threat to free speech, while others believe Musk should abide by Brazilian laws.

Supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro see Musk as an ally against Moraes's investigations into digital militias linked to Bolsonaro’s administration.