Millions of Brazilians have recently turned to new social media platforms as an alternative after a popular platform, X, was banned in the country. Following the shutdown of X, platforms like Threads and Bluesky have seen a surge in users, with Bluesky adding over two million new users since the ban.
The ban on X came after a dispute between its owner, Elon Musk, and Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes over issues related to disinformation. Moraes took action against X after Musk disregarded court decisions, leading to the ban of the platform.
Bluesky, created by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, has gained significant traction in Brazil, accumulating 7.6 million users post the X suspension. At the same time, interest in Threads has quadrupled in Brazil since the ban. Threads, launched by Meta, has also seen increased downloads in the country.
Users transitioning to these new platforms have expressed mixed feelings. Some appreciate the more welcoming environment, while others miss certain features or communities from X. The uncertainty surrounding the fate of X raises questions about the long-term impact of this migration on Brazil’s social media landscape.
Despite the shift to alternative platforms, concerns remain about data protection and online privacy, especially with platforms owned by larger corporations like Meta. Brazilian political figures are also adapting to the changes, with some moving to Threads and Bluesky to stay connected with their base.
While some users find it challenging to locate familiar profiles on the new platforms, others like former President Jair Bolsonaro continue to use alternative methods to stay active on their preferred platforms. Despite warnings from authorities about bypassing the ban, some users are still finding ways to access the blocked platform.
The evolving social media landscape in Brazil reflects a broader trend of users exploring new platforms and adapting to changes in the online environment.