In the wake of Brazil’s recent ban on the social media platform X, there has been a dramatic surge in VPN usage across the country. This increase comes despite severe legal threats from Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who has warned that individuals or businesses using VPNs to bypass the ban could face fines of up to 50,000 reais (approximately $8,900) per day.
The ban, enacted on Friday, follows a prolonged dispute between X owner Elon Musk and de Moraes over content moderation policies and free speech. De Moraes’s decree stipulates that X will remain blocked in Brazil until the platform appoints a legal representative within the country to handle government requests for account suspensions. Musk has criticized these demands as an infringement on free speech, leading to the current standoff.
Despite the substantial potential penalties, Brazilian users have exhibited a notable increase in VPN adoption. According to VPNMentor, a website that assists users in finding VPN services, demand for VPNs in Brazil has surged by up to 1,600% since the ban was imposed. This dramatic rise reflects Brazilians’ determination to access X despite the government’s restrictions.
In addition to the spike in VPN usage, alternative social media platforms have experienced significant growth. Bluesky, a competitor to X, has welcomed over 500,000 new users in recent days, setting new records for activity on its platform. Similarly, Threads has seen a notable influx of new users, with both platforms becoming the top two most downloaded iPhone apps in Brazil over the past weekend.
The ban and the subsequent crackdown on VPN usage highlight ongoing tensions between tech companies and government authorities over digital freedom and content regulation. As Brazilians continue to seek workarounds to access their preferred social media platforms, the situation underscores the complex interplay between technology, legal frameworks, and individual rights.
I am Aparna Sahu
Investment Specialist and Financial Writer
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