The recent ban of Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil has led to a dramatic surge in VPN usage across the country. According to new research from vpnMentor, VPN usage in Brazil has increased by more than 1500% since the ban was imposed. This surge comes despite a significant financial penalty for those who attempt to circumvent the ban.
The ban stems from a legal dispute between X and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. After X failed to comply with Moraes’ demands, including appointing a new legal representative, the justice instructed Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency to block access to X. The agency blocked access to the platform across more than 20,000 IP addresses in the country.
Adding to the complexities of the situation, individuals and companies using VPNs to access X are subject to a substantial fine of R$50,000 ($8,900). Despite this looming penalty, VPN usage in Brazil has soared by an astonishing 1600%. The country boasts more than 16 million X users, and on the first day of the ban alone, VPN usage increased by a staggering 469%.
This drastic spike in VPN usage highlights the determination of Brazilians to retain access to X, even in the face of significant legal and financial hurdles. It also reflects the growing importance of VPNs as tools for privacy and online freedom in an increasingly regulated digital landscape.
