Elon Musk gave X a software update that lets it bypass Brazil’s ban- Firstpost

Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, managed to circumvent the ban imposed by the Brazilian Supreme Court by automatically updating its software, according to a statement from the Brazilian Association of Internet and Telecommunications Providers (ABRINT).

The platform, which was blocked last month by a court order, suddenly became available again across Brazil, sparking widespread speculation among users about whether the ban had been lifted.

Technical maneuver
ABRINT later explained that the unexpected reactivation of X in Brazil was due to a structural change in the platform’s network architecture. X reportedly changed its system to route traffic through IP addresses associated with Cloudflare, a well-known cybersecurity company based in San Francisco. Cloudflare hosts millions of websites, routing their traffic, making it difficult for ISPs to block specific platforms without affecting other services.

Before the update, X operated on specific IP addresses, making it easier for Brazilian internet companies to block access to the platform. However, the new system implemented by X now shares IP addresses with other legitimate services, including banks and large online platforms. This change has made it nearly impossible to block X without also disrupting access to these key services, according to ABRINT.

What’s next?
X’s unexpected return prompted Brazil’s Supreme Court to demand an explanation from the country’s telecoms regulator, Anatel. Local media reports that Anatel is continuing to monitor the situation and is reporting its findings directly to the Supreme Court. The regulator confirmed that there has been no change in the court’s decision to ban X, despite the platform continuing to operate in the country.

The original ban was issued by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes as part of a broader effort to combat fake news and hate speech in Brazil. The ruling came after Musk refused to appoint a legal representative in the country and restrict some of his accounts.

Musk has publicly criticized the court’s actions, portraying them as an abuse of state power and a threat to free speech. Meanwhile, supporters of Judge de Moraes say the measures are necessary to preserve the integrity of online discourse and stop the spread of harmful content.

Tension between X and Brazilian authorities
The situation in Brazil highlights the ongoing tensions between Musk’s platform and the country’s legal system. While the Supreme Court remains firm in its stance against X, the platform’s technical workaround has complicated enforcement efforts.

While Brazilian authorities continue to monitor the situation, it remains to be seen how the legal battle between X and the Brazilian justice system will unfold. For now, X continues to operate in the country, albeit under a cloak of legal uncertainty.