X, a major global social network, has been blocked in Brazil, the country with the fifth largest digital user base, after a ruling by the Brazilian Supreme Court. This decision followed Elon Musk’s refusal to adhere to local regulations, leading to the nationwide suspension of X’s services.
On Saturday morning, Brazilian users found themselves unable to access the platform, as internet and mobile service providers began enforcing the court’s ban. Attempts to connect to X resulted in messages indicating loss of connectivity, marking the end of its availability in Brazil for the time being.
In response to the ban, many Brazilian users flocked to Bluesky, a competing social network. Bluesky saw a significant influx of 500,000 new users over two days as Brazilians sought an alternative platform. The company welcomed these new users with messages in Portuguese, highlighting the rapid shift from X to Bluesky. Among the new members was Felipe Neto, a leading Brazilian social media influencer, who emphasized the need for foreign companies to respect local laws.
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Brazil Suspends X Following Elon Musk’s Defiance, Users Migrate to Bluesky
The blocking of X is the result of a prolonged dispute between Brazilian authorities and Musk. This conflict began after the January 2023 uprising in Brasília, where supporters of former president Jair Bolsonaro were involved. Alexandre de Moraes, the Supreme Court judge responsible for the ban, had been pushing X to remove extremist content from its platform. Musk’s resistance, coupled with his public criticism of Moraes, escalated tensions and ultimately led to the suspension of X in Brazil.
The final trigger for the ban was Musk’s failure to meet a court deadline to appoint a new legal representative following the closure of X’s local office in August. Moraes criticized X for its role in spreading misinformation and hate speech, describing it as an “outlaw” platform. Musk responded with derogatory remarks about Moraes and other inflammatory statements, which Brazilian users could no longer access due to the ban. This confrontation underscored the strained relationship between Musk and Brazilian authorities.
As the ban took effect, the move to Bluesky highlighted the shifting dynamics in Brazilian social media. Rightwing figures in Brazil supported Musk, reflecting a growing alliance with the tech billionaire. Conversely, progressive Brazilians celebrated the court’s decision as a victory for legal principles and national sovereignty. Erika Hilton, a leftwing congresswoman, voiced her approval of the ban and announced her move to Bluesky, signaling a notable transition among Brazilian social media users.
