Brazil bans X: Court order sparks mass migration to Bluesky, including President Lula

On August 30, 2024, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) issued an order to immediately suspend the operations of X (formerly Twitter) across the country. This unprecedented decision, following a series of legal disputes between the social media giant and Brazilian authorities, has triggered a mass exodus of users to alternative platforms, most notably Bluesky. In a significant development, Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, commonly known as Lula, has also joined Bluesky, further legitimizing the platform's growing importance in the country's digital landscape.

According to an official announcement from Bluesky, the platform experienced an extraordinary surge in new registrations following the X ban. In just one week, over 2.6 million new users signed up for Bluesky, with a staggering 85% of these new accounts originating from Brazil. This influx represents approximately 2.21 million Brazilian users flocking to the decentralized social network in the wake of X's suspension.

President Lula's decision to join Bluesky marks a significant moment in the platform's rapid ascent in Brazil. As one of the country's most influential political figures, Lula's presence on Bluesky not only adds to the platform's credibility but also signals a potential shift in how Brazilian politicians and government officials may communicate with the public in the post-X era.

The court order, issued by Justice Alexandre de Moraes, cited X's persistent non-compliance with judicial mandates as the primary reason for the ban. According to the court documents, X repeatedly failed to remove content deemed illegal under Brazilian law and refused to provide user data requested as part of ongoing criminal investigations. The decision also implicated Elon Musk, X's owner, for his public defiance of Brazilian court orders and his stated intention to close X's Brazilian subsidiary to evade legal compliance.

The suspension order extends beyond just blocking access to X's platform. It encompasses a wide range of measures designed to completely halt X's operations in Brazil:

1. Internet service providers (ISPs) and telecommunication companies are required to block access to X's domains and IP addresses.
2. Apple and Google have been ordered to remove the X app from their respective app stores for Brazilian users.
3. Financial institutions are instructed to freeze all assets associated with X's entities in Brazil.
4. A daily fine of 50,000 Brazilian reais (approximately $10,000 USD) will be imposed on individuals or entities attempting to circumvent the ban, including through the use of VPNs.

The Brazilian telecommunications agency (ANATEL) has been tasked with coordinating the technical aspects of the ban, ensuring that X remains inaccessible within the country's borders. This comprehensive approach reflects the judiciary's determination to enforce its decision and maintain the rule of law in the digital sphere.

The ban on X has sparked intense debate about digital rights, freedom of expression, and the balance between national sovereignty and global internet governance. Supporters of the court's decision argue that it's a necessary step to combat the spread of misinformation and protect democratic institutions. Critics, however, view it as an overreach that could set a dangerous precedent for internet censorship.

In the midst of this controversy, Bluesky has emerged as a prime beneficiary. The platform, which uses the decentralized AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), offers users greater control over their data and content. This approach appears to resonate with Brazilian users seeking an alternative in the wake of X's suspension.

President Lula's adoption of Bluesky adds a new dimension to the platform's growth in Brazil. As a prominent political figure, his presence could encourage other politicians, government agencies, and public figures to follow suit. This move may accelerate the shift of political discourse and public communication to Bluesky, potentially establishing it as a new hub for civic engagement in Brazil.

The rapid adoption of Bluesky in Brazil presents both opportunities and challenges for the platform. On one hand, it provides Bluesky with a significant user base in a key market known for high social media engagement. On the other, it puts pressure on the platform to quickly scale its infrastructure and adapt its moderation policies to handle the influx of Brazilian users, including high-profile accounts like President Lula's.

Brazil's digital landscape is no stranger to regulatory challenges. In recent years, the country has grappled with issues of content moderation, particularly during election periods. The "Marco Civil da Internet," Brazil's internet framework law enacted in 2014, requires companies operating in Brazil to comply with local laws, including content removal orders and data provision requests.

The ban on X and the subsequent migration to Bluesky, including that of President Lula, could have far-reaching implications for Brazil's digital ecosystem:

1. It may prompt other social media platforms to reassess their compliance with Brazilian laws to avoid similar fates.
2. The shift in user base could impact Brazil's digital advertising market, potentially redirecting ad spending to emerging platforms.
3. It could accelerate the adoption of decentralized social networks, challenging the dominance of traditional centralized platforms.
4. The situation may influence ongoing legislative discussions about internet regulation and platform accountability in Brazil and beyond.
5. The presence of high-profile political figures like President Lula on Bluesky could reshape how political communication and public discourse occur in the digital realm.

As the situation continues to evolve, all eyes are on Bluesky to see how it handles this sudden growth and whether it can retain these new users, including prominent figures like President Lula, in the long term. The platform's success or failure in Brazil could serve as a case study for the viability of decentralized social networks in markets experiencing regulatory turbulence.

Key facts

Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ordered the suspension of X on August 30, 2024

The ban resulted from X's non-compliance with court orders to remove content and provide user data

Bluesky gained over 2.6 million new users in one week following the X ban

Approximately 2.21 million (85%) of the new Bluesky sign-ups are from Brazil

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has joined Bluesky

The court order includes blocking X's domains, removing its app from stores, and freezing its assets in Brazil

A daily fine of 50,000 Brazilian reais applies to those attempting to circumvent the ban

The ban has sparked debate about digital rights and internet governance

Bluesky uses the decentralized AT Protocol, offering users more control over their data

The situation could significantly impact Brazil's digital advertising market and social media landscape