Brazil has officially joined a select group of countries that have banned the X social network, formerly known as Twitter. This move has raised concerns among users and politicians about the implications for free speech and access to information.

This became effective on September 1.

This decision has sparked debates about censorship and free speech, particularly in a nation with a significant online user base.

In addition to Brazil, there are several other countries that have already banned the social media platform.

China blocked Twitter in June 2009, close to the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests.

Iran banned in 2009 following protests against a disputed presidential election.

Turkmenistan implemented restrictions on Twitter in the early 2010s alongside other foreign platforms.

North Korea banned X along with other social media sites since April 2016.

In Myanmar the platform has been blocked since February 2021 after the military coup.

In Russia access was formally banned in March 2022 after initially being throttled in 2021.

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Pakistan banned since February 2024, citing security reasons.

Venezuela temporarily blocked in August 2024 during protests, with the ban extending beyond the initial period.

The recent ban in Brazil, ordered by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, stems from the platform’s refusal to comply with local legal requirements.

Users attempting to access X via VPNs could face hefty fines, raising significant debates about censorship and digital rights within the country.