Brazilian Internet users are turning to VPNs to continue using Twitter in the country, at the risk of being fined more than 8,000 euros per day.
Since Friday, August 30, X (ex-Twitter) has been blocked in Brazil. A decision taken by Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes after the social network refused to appoint a legal representative in the country.
While some users turned to Bluesky or Threads after the suspension, others chose to circumvent it using virtual private networks (VPNs). These allow users to encrypt their internet connection and hide information, including their location. In other words, they make it appear as if Brazilians are connecting to X from abroad.
Speaking to Tech&Co, the company Proton reported a 1,840% increase in the use of its VPN service between August 27 and 31, a few days before the suspension threat was carried out.
Risky use
Using VPNs to access Elon Musk’s social network in Brazil is not without risk, however. In addition to suspending X, Alexandre de Moraes said that anyone who tried to use the platform with a VPN could be fined €8,000 per day, reports the British daily The Independent.
This does not stop some users, however. “I will continue to tweet despite the persecution and threats of the state, because I believe in freedom of expression, democracy and true justice,” wrote Marcel van Hattem, a member of Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies, on August 31.
Outside Brazil, personalities, starting with Elon Musk himself, are also calling on Brazilians to use a VPN to access X. “Just a little reminder: you can still access this platform through X.com, even on your phone (…) This is also a good time to download a VPN in case you get blocked,” the owner of the social network said on August 31.
Former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey posted a simple post that included a link to Sweden-based VPN Mullvad.
Finally, several VPN users have called on others to pretend they are connecting from Brazil to make it harder for the Brazilian government to protect those accessing X from the country.
Related News :