Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has been banned in Brazil for failing to appoint a legal representative as mandated by a court order. Those who try to bypass the ban using a VPN may face fines up to $8,900.
Ban Order Issued by Brazilian Court
Justice Alexandre de Moraes of the Brazilian Supreme Court ordered the country’s internet service providers to block access to X. Telecom companies and tech giants were also given a deadline to remove X from their platforms and app stores. Apple and Google have five days to comply with this order and remove X from their app stores. Brazil’s telecommunications regulator, Anatel, confirmed receiving the order and stated that ISPs have only 24 hours to enforce the ban.
Heavy Penalties for VPN Use
Justice Moraes’ decision not only restricts access to X within the country but also criminalizes the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to access the platform. Individuals caught accessing X via VPN could be fined 50,000 Brazilian Reais (approximately $8,900) per day. This strict measure aims to enforce a complete blackout of the social media platform in Brazil.
SpaceX’s Brazilian Accounts Frozen
In a move to increase pressure on Elon Musk, Justice Moraes also froze the Brazilian bank accounts of SpaceX’s internet service provider, Starlink, last Thursday. This step was taken to compel Musk to comply with the court’s orders.
The Roots of the Legal Battle
The origins of this ban can be traced back to April when Justice Moraes ordered the suspension of several X accounts accused of spreading disinformation. Since then, the legal battle between Musk and the Brazilian judiciary has intensified. Musk has labeled Justice Moraes’ orders to suspend or remove misinformation-spreading accounts as “censorship.” In response, earlier this month, X decided to shut down its offices in Brazil, signaling its refusal to comply with the court orders.
Implications of the Ban
This decision highlights the severe measures that governments can take if social media platforms do not comply with legal regulations. The ban on X and the hefty fines for VPN usage represent a significant turning point in Brazil’s approach to internet freedom and its relationship with digital platforms.