X, formerly known as Twitter, has returned online for many users in Brazil, more than two weeks after being blocked by the country’s government. However, this change is not due to a reversal of the government’s decision. Instead, it seems that X is using Cloudflare’s DNS service, which is temporarily helping the platform bypass the block, though it remains uncertain how long this workaround will last.
A spokesperson for X described the restoration as “inadvertent and temporary,” noting that the platform is expected to become inaccessible in Brazil again soon.
X was originally blocked at the end of August following a legal order by Brazilian Supreme Court judge Alexandre de Moraes, who had been in a dispute with Elon Musk over the platform’s refusal to remove certain accounts. This legal battle also affected Starlink, Musk’s satellite internet company, which saw its Brazilian bank accounts frozen.
X’s Temporary Return to Brazil Driven by Cloudflare DNS, Government Block Remains
In response to the shutdown, X claimed that its infrastructure for providing services in Latin America became inaccessible. As a result, the company switched to a new network provider, which unintentionally restored access for Brazilian users.
Despite the temporary availability, X acknowledged that it would likely be blocked again soon but expressed its intent to continue working with the Brazilian government to fully restore services.
The New York Times reported that X began coming back online for Brazilian users on Wednesday, though the service has been inconsistent. The platform’s use of Cloudflare seems to be the reason for this partial return, while Brazilian internet service providers (ISPs) are expected to find ways to continue enforcing the court’s block. Should the ISPs fail to do so, Brazilian regulators may take further steps to ensure compliance.
The Brazilian government has already imposed fines on users attempting to bypass the ban by using VPNs. As authorities explore additional ways to enforce the block, it remains to be seen how X will navigate this challenge and whether it will be able to reestablish a lasting presence in the country.
