In a surprising move this fall, Twitter (now known as X) is set to lose around 22 million users. The reason? A judge from Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered the platform to be blocked nationwide. The decision stems from X’s failure to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, a requirement the platform under Elon Musk repeatedly ignored. As a result, Twitter is now inaccessible in the country—a bold action that could set a precedent for other regions, particularly in Europe.
Competitors Are Thriving
In addition to blocking Twitter, Brazil has also banned any attempts to bypass this ruling, including the use of proxies or VPNs. The immediate effect? A surge in users flocking to Twitter’s competitors. Meta’s Threads and Blue Sky, the decentralized social platform, saw significant spikes in activity. Blue Sky, in particular, reported gaining over one million new users in just three days, with Portuguese—the official language of Brazil—quickly becoming one of the most spoken languages on the platform.
It seems Twitter’s loss is its competitors’ gain, and they’re welcoming the exodus with open arms.
Could Europe Be Next?
Brazil’s move may serve as a warning for other regions, especially Europe, where tensions between Elon Musk and the European Commission are high. Just a few months ago, Thierry Breton, the European Commissioner for Internal Market, sent a formal letter to Musk regarding the platform’s compliance with EU regulations. Musk’s public response? A meme with a message that was anything but diplomatic.
Now that Brazil has taken such decisive action, it’s possible that the European Union could follow suit. If so, X could face an even greater loss of users, as several tens of millions of European accounts might be forced to migrate elsewhere.
What Happens Next?
The blocking of X in Brazil opens up a broader conversation about the future of social media regulation. While Elon Musk’s casual approach to authority might seem brazen, it’s clear that some governments are willing to take drastic measures when compliance is ignored. If Europe decides to act, the ripple effect could dramatically reshape the social media landscape.
Yet, it might not be all doom and gloom. As we’ve already seen, platforms like Blue Sky are stepping up to fill the void, proving that when one door closes, others are quick to open.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.