Elon Musk’s social network X, formerly known as Twitter, has faced bans and restrictions in various countries due to different political, social, and legal issues. Here are some of the key countries where X has been banned:
- Brazil: Recently, Brazil implemented a ban on X following a judicial order by Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes. The ban was imposed after X failed to comply with court orders to suspend certain accounts. The Brazilian judiciary cited concerns over the platform’s role in spreading disinformation and undermining judicial decisions. Users attempting to access X via VPNs face significant fines.
- China: Twitter, now X, has been banned in China since June 2009. The ban was part of a broader crackdown on Western social media platforms and coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests. Chinese users have since turned to local alternatives like Weibo and WeChat.
- Iran: Iran blocked Twitter in 2009 following contested presidential elections and widespread protests. Despite the ban, Twitter has been used covertly to share information about dissident movements and recent demonstrations, particularly those related to women’s rights.
- Turkmenistan: This Central Asian country has a long-standing ban on Twitter along with many other foreign websites. The government maintains tight control over internet access and surveillance.
- North Korea: North Korea banned Twitter in 2016 along with other major social media platforms. Internet access in the country is heavily restricted and monitored, with only a select few having access to the global internet.
- Myanmar: Following the military coup in February 2021, Myanmar’s junta banned X as part of its efforts to curb opposition and control information flow. The ban remains in effect as the military maintains strict internet regulation.
- Russia: Russia began throttling Twitter in 2021 and implemented a full ban in March 2022 after its invasion of Ukraine. The Russian government cited the platform’s role in spreading “illegal content” as the reason for the ban. Despite this, many users access X via VPNs.
- Pakistan: Pakistan banned X during the parliamentary elections in February 2024, citing security concerns. The ban is part of broader efforts to control information and curb dissent during politically sensitive periods.
- Venezuela: The Venezuelan government suspended access to X for ten days in August 2024 amid nationwide protests following disputed presidential elections. The suspension has remained in place beyond the initial period.
These bans are often part of broader efforts by governments, particularly those with authoritarian tendencies, to control information and suppress dissent. The specific reasons for each ban vary but generally relate to concerns over national security, public order, and the spread of disinformation.
