Brazil bans X and targets VPN users: What this means for your online privacy

In late August 2024, the Brazilian government took a drastic step by banning X (formerly known as Twitter) nationwide. This move has ignited debates about online privacy and freedom, especially among X’s 22 million Brazilian users. Here's what happened and how it impacts internet users, particularly those using VPNs.

What Happened?

The conflict between Brazil and X began soon after Elon Musk took over the platform. Musk reversed the bans on certain political accounts, previously blocked at the Brazilian government's request. His decision to refuse future government takedown orders triggered a legal battle, eventually leading to an investigation into Musk for “obstruction of justice”.

Tensions escalated when Musk closed X's office in Brazil after a Supreme Court judge threatened to arrest its local representative for not complying with government requests. On August 30, 2024, Brazil’s Supreme Court officially banned X, citing the platform’s failure to appoint a local legal representative. By September 2, the court upheld the ban in a unanimous decision.

Enforcement

The enforcement of the ban is strict. Brazil’s telecommunications regulator instructed over 20,000 internet providers to block access to X, including Starlink, a satellite internet provider owned by Musk’s SpaceX. While initially resisting the order, Starlink eventually complied, freezing its Brazilian assets to avoid fines.

Many Brazilian X users have turned to alternative platforms like Bluesky, but the ban’s most controversial aspect is the punishment for individuals who use VPNs to circumvent it.

Fines for VPN users

The Brazilian Supreme Court’s ruling includes steep penalties for individuals and businesses using VPNs to access X. A daily fine of R$50,000 ($8,910) applies to anyone found violating the ban. However, enforcing these fines presents a significant challenge, as VPNs are legal in Brazil. Detecting VPN use is difficult since VPNs encrypt users' traffic, making it almost impossible to know whether someone is accessing X or another platform.

If the VPN operates correctly, it masks your browsing activity, and authorities cannot trace your internet traffic back to X. Many VPNs also include features like a kill switch, which cuts your internet connection if the VPN fails, preventing your data from leaking.

Can VPN users be caught?

Technically, authorities can see if you’re using a VPN due to encrypted traffic and the specific IP addresses associated with VPN servers. However, they won’t be able to tell which sites you’re visiting. The real risk lies in your activity on X. If you continue posting or interacting on X after the ban, it’s a strong indication that you’re accessing the platform through a VPN.

The question remains whether the Brazilian government will expend the effort required to track individual users this way. Monitoring posts and cross-referencing that data with information from internet service providers (ISPs) would be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Is using a VPN safe in Brazil?

From a technical standpoint, using a VPN is likely to keep you safe while accessing banned platforms like X, as long as the VPN works properly. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it difficult for authorities to track your online activities. However, if your VPN has vulnerabilities like DNS leaks, there is a small risk that your browsing habits could be exposed.

To reduce this risk, it’s crucial to use a reputable VPN provider like Hide Expert VPN with strong security features. Many trusted VPNs are designed to protect against common vulnerabilities, ensuring that your activities remain private.

To wrap it up, Brazil’s ban on X and the penalties for VPN users have sparked a heated debate on privacy and internet freedom. While the government has introduced fines for those using VPNs to access X, enforcing these measures will be challenging. VPNs remain a powerful tool for maintaining online privacy, and as long as you use a reliable service, your activities are unlikely to be traced.