When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn After a long fight between Elon Musk and Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, X (formerly Twitter) was banned in Brazil on August 17th. Thousands of regular users have started looking for ways to bypass the ban, and the most popular way to access X in Brazil now is with a VPN.
Alongside bypassing geo-restrictions, a VPN also ensures better online privacy, encrypting your browsing data. However, it’s important to note that VPN use for unblocking X is under the government’s watch.
In this guide, I will overview why X got banned in Brazil and ways how to access X in Brazil with a VPN in 2024.
How to Unblock X With a VPN in Brazil
- Choose a reliable VPN with servers where X works. Our choice is NordVPN, as it boasts an extensive server fleet and uses top-notch security features.
- Download and install the application onto a device you want to access the X (Twitter) platform on.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the US or elsewhere where X is available.
- Enable the Kill switch feature in case the VPN connection drops.
- Head to X and start browsing the feed.
Best Brazil VPNs in 2024
NordVPN – Feature-rich VPN for Security and Privacy
Surfshark – Superb VPN with Unlimited Connections
ExpressVPN – Fast VPN With a Free Password Manager
Why is X closing in Brazil?
Elon Musk’s X has been closed in Brazil since August 17 because Musk failed to appoint a new legal representative in the country by the court’s set deadline. However, that’s only one reason, coming from a long and complex history of the Moraes and Musk conflict.
It appears that Elon Musk has also publicly humiliated the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil Alexandre de Moraes since April. Not to mention the times when Musk has refused to comply with local laws and failed to pay appointed fines.
Nonetheless, the entire conflict stemmed from Elon Musk’s refusal to suspend certain X accounts, which the Brazilian court deemed harmful to democratic institutions in Brazil. One of the accounts belongs to the senator, Marcos do Val, who is under investigation for possible involvement in the sabotage of Alexandre de Moraes. It’s also important to note that Elon Musk has openly compared de Moraes to a dictator, Darth Vader, and other evil characters while praising former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Elon Musk is known for his strong support for freedom of speech. This may explain his decision not to comply with local laws in Brazil, risking X/Twitter being banned. Despite the block, Musk has promised the citizens to find a way to operate in Brazil again.
Can I Access X in Brazil With a VPN?
Yes, you can access X in Brazil with a VPN. After Alexandre de Moraes banned X in the country, VPN use rose significantly. Consequently, officials have started paying attention to millions of X users trying to bypass the ban, thus implying restrictions on VPNs, too.
Generally, VPNs are legal in Brazil. This software is seen as an excellent tool for retaining online privacy and security while casually browsing or working. However, it’s not allowed to use a VPN in Brazil to commit illegal activities. Since Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes banned X (formerly Twitter) in the country, accessing X with a VPN has also become an illegal activity.
Moraes has implemented a new regulation to suppress users who try using a VPN to unblock X in Brazil. It stipulates that anyone caught using a VPN to reach X will face a fine of nearly $9,000 for each day of VPN use.
So, while you technically can use a VPN to access X in Brazil, there are some considerations to make first. I highly recommend consulting with your legal team, and if they support these actions, I’d suggest you choose a market-leading VPN service. In this case, NordVPN is a good option, as it has been independently audited multiple times, proving they do not collect their user data. Plus, it provides stable VPN connections and strong data encryption, keeping your online traffic safe.
How to Unblock Twitter/X With a VPN
Pick and download a reliable VPN.
Due to many security features and a strong no-log policy, I suggest NordVPN.
Connect to a server where X/Twitter is available.
Pick a country closest to you where X/Twitter is available, and connect to a VPN server.
Go to your Twitter account.
Once you’ve connected to a VPN server, simply log in to your Twitter account.
Twitter/X Ban History
Due to political and other reasons, Twitter, also known as X, has been banned in several countries around the globe. These are the countries that make it to the list and why:
- Brazil: As of August 17, 2024, X has been banned in Brazil due to a lack of a legal representative in the country, and Elon Musk’s refusal to comply with local laws.
- China: Twitter has been inaccessible in China since 2009 due to the government’s decision to block all foreign social media platforms.
- Iran: Twitter/X was blocked in Iran in 2009 to prevent activists from organizing protests and spreading information about government actions during presidential elections.
- Myanmar: In 2021, the local military banned Twitter in Myanmar to prevent the spread of fake news and misinformation.
- North Korea: Almost a decade ago, North Korea banned Twitter to gain more control over the source of information for civilians. Consequently, other Western apps were also banned.
- Pakistan: This is one of the most recent countries to ban Twitter/X. In February 2024, Pakistan banned the platform to enhance national safety. However, millions of Pakistani people continue using X with the help of a VPN.
- Russia: Following the Ukraine invasion in February 2022, the Russian government restricted access to X/Twitter, stating it spreads fake news and incites hatred.
- Turkmenistan: Being one of the most repressive governments in the world, Turkmenistan blocked Twitter in 2010, continuing to control media access to its citizens until this day.
Conclusion
Twitter, now rebranded as X, has long been a go-to social media platform for people across the globe to share their thoughts, follow trends, and connect with others. Despite its widespread popularity, not every country permits its citizens to access it.
Since August 2024, Twitter has been banned in Brazil as a result of ongoing conflicts with Elon Musk and its non-compliance with local laws. Nonetheless, over 20 million Brazilian users are still looking for a way to regain access to the platform.
Even though a VPN helps access X/Twitter in Brazil, the local government has begun to fine people for using it. Therefore, Brazilian X users must carefully weigh the potential consequences of using a VPN. If it’s decided to use a VPN, only a market-leading option, such as NordVPN, is good, as it can ensure a stable connection and complete user privacy.
