Brazil Lifts 18-Day Ban on X, Platform Accessible Without VPN

Sep 18, 2024, 12:57 PM

Brazil has lifted its ban on the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, allowing users to access the platform without the need for a VPN. The ban, which had been in place for 18 days, was imposed by the Supreme Court (STF) due to concerns about misinformation influencing the electorate. Users who logged on using VPNs risked fines of up to 50,000 reais ($9,000) per day. Despite the platform becoming accessible again, there has been no official confirmation from the courts regarding the lifting of the ban. Prominent right-wing politicians in Brazil had continued to use the platform during the ban, citing free speech concerns. Alexandre de Moraes has been mentioned as a key figure in the controversy. The instability in the blocking is reported to be the reason for the platform's return. Brazil, with its 25 million users, is the sixth-largest market for X.