"I Don't Know How the World Works"... Brazil in 'Panic' on the First Day of X Outage

Conflict Between Judicial Authorities and Elon Musk Intensifies
Supreme Court Unanimously Decides to Block X Measures

In Brazil, where the use of the social networking service X (formerly Twitter) has been blocked, intense controversy is reported among local citizens regarding the judicial authorities' decision. There are also concerns that other SNS platforms might be blocked as well.

Photo for article understanding purposes only, unrelated to the article content [Photo source=Pixabay]

Foreign media such as 'AP News' highlighted the reactions of Brazilian citizens following the implementation of the X ban on the 2nd (local time). Previously, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the measure to block X within Brazil was 'not problematic.' Currently, X has been effectively expelled from Brazil, and circumventing the ban using virtual private networks (VPNs) is also prohibited. Violators face fines of up to 10 million KRW per day of access.

Before the ban, Brazil was the largest market for X, with reportedly tens of millions of users. After the X ban, some Brazilian citizens migrated to other SNS platforms such as 'Threads,' where debates over the judicial authorities' decision appear to continue.

Chico Bani, a writer and former prominent X user in Brazil, expressed confusion, saying, "I have no idea what is happening in the world right now." It is also reported that many artists who promoted themselves through X have suffered damage.

Some expressed feelings of disconnection. Julia Alves de Oliveira, an 18-year-old student, told the media, "I used to get world news through X instead of news or newspapers, but this platform was suddenly blocked," adding, "I hardly notice what is happening around the world now."

The conflict between the Brazilian Supreme Court and X has been ongoing for several months. Earlier, Alexandre de Moraes, a justice of the Brazilian Supreme Court, ordered the blocking of certain accounts on X, citing unconstitutional elements in the actions of the so-called 'digital militias' that spread fake news and hate messages during former President Jair Bolsonaro's administration. However, X did not comply with this order for months, which further escalated the friction.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla's X account.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

The judicial authorities' decision to expel X seems to be turning into a direct confrontation within Brazilian politics. Nicolas Pereira, a right-wing lawmaker close to former President Bolsonaro, fiercely criticized, saying, "Tyrants want to turn Brazil into a communist dictatorship," and warned, "Once again, do not vote for those who do not respect freedom of the press."

Former President Bolsonaro also pointed out through his official Instagram account, "Another blow to our freedom and security," adding, "It not only affects freedom of expression but also damages the trust in international companies operating on Brazilian soil."

However, Brazilian President Luiz In?cio Lula da Silva, in an interview with CNN Brazil, effectively supported the Supreme Court's decision, stating, "Just because CEO Musk is wealthy does not mean the whole world must tolerate his far-right ideology."