The social media platform faced a strict ban starting on August 30, following a Supreme Court order due to non-compliance with Brazilian regulations. Now, after paying fines, implementing compliance measures, and addressing legal requirements, X has been granted access once more.
The Reason Behind the Ban
In late August, the Brazilian Supreme Court ordered the suspension of X in the country after the platform failed to appoint a local legal representative. Justice Alexandre de Moraes, known for his assertive stance against misinformation, led the decision. The court order also demanded action against accounts spreading hate speech and disinformation. When the company did not meet these requirements promptly, the platform was barred from operating within Brazilian borders.
First hand experience of the X/Twitter ban in Brazil. I’m at the capital, Brasília. Friends in Rio say they have lost connection completely already. pic.twitter.com/UVOKCkyLXB
— Eli Vieira (@EliVieiraJr) August 31, 2024
Compliance Actions and Penalties
To lift the suspension, X took multiple corrective actions. First, it appointed a Brazilian legal representative, as mandated by the court. Additionally, the company paid fines amounting to approximately $5.2 million, imposed as a consequence of non-compliance with prior legal requirements. Further actions included the restriction of accounts flagged by the Brazilian authorities, which was a key part of the court’s directives to curb misinformation.
This compliance led to the Brazilian Supreme Court’s decision to lift the ban on October 8, allowing X to resume service to its users in Brazil. Justice de Moraes emphasized the importance of upholding local regulations and made it clear that any future violations would carry severe penalties.
🇧🇷 | EL TRIBUNAL SUPREMO DE BRASIL AUTORIZA A X A REANUDAR SU SERVICIO EN BRASIL – COMUNICADO. pic.twitter.com/TFpyISVspN
— Alerta Mundial (@AlertaMundoNews) October 8, 2024
Response from Brazilian Users
X’s return has garnered mixed reactions from Brazilian users, who had felt the platform’s absence since the ban was enforced. Estimates indicate a user base between 20 and 40 million in the country, making the temporary suspension widely impactful. Many expressed relief upon its return, though there remains skepticism about the platform’s commitment to following Brazilian laws.
X now faces close monitoring by Brazilian authorities to ensure ongoing adherence to the court’s orders. Justice de Moraes and other judiciary members have warned that continued compliance is non-negotiable and that the platform will be held accountable for any future infractions.
What Lies Ahead for X in Brazil?
The reinstatement of X in Brazil has provided its users with renewed access to the platform, but the future remains uncertain. X will need to continue observing local laws and fulfilling its obligations to avoid future conflicts with Brazilian authorities.
Where is X (Twitter) Banned?
Several countries continue to ban or restrict access to X due to political, regulatory, or censorship-driven policies.
- China: X has been inaccessible since 2009, along with other major social media platforms, due to strict government censorship.
- Iran: In response to political protests and unrest, Iran restricted access to X in 2009, aiming to limit public dissent and information flow.
- North Korea: The platform remains inaccessible for citizens as part of the country’s strict control over media and external information.
- Russia: In 2022, Russia imposed restrictions on X, citing the need to control narratives during the Ukraine conflict, focusing on limiting access to what it considers false information.
- Turkmenistan: Access to X is highly restricted, reflecting the country’s tight regulation over communication channels and online information.
- Myanmar: The government restricted X following the military coup in 2021 to control information and suppress public dissent.
- Venezuela: Venezuela has intermittently restricted access to X during periods of political tension to prevent the spread of opposition-led information.
