The microblogging platform Bluesky reported on Friday that its audience had grown by 3 million new users. Amid the intensifying standoff between the head of the social network X (formerly Twitter) Elon Musk and the judge of the Supreme Court of Brazil Alexandre de Moraes, the number of Bluesky users has grown to more than 9 million from 6 million reported in May. A little more than a week after the judge ruled to block the social network X in Brazil due to Elon Musk’s refusal to comply with the authorities’ demands for content moderation, Bluesky’s audience has grown by 50%. The social network also assured users on Friday that video support will soon appear on the platform. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments regarding this feature. Earlier, Bluesky reported that about 85% of its users live in Brazil.
Brazilian Public Response
The Supreme Court’s decision has divided Brazilian society, notes NIX Solutions. According to a poll by AtlasIntel, nearly 51 percent of Brazilians disagreed with the blocking of social network X, while just over 48 percent supported the court’s decision. Tens of thousands of Brazilians demonstrated in downtown Sao Paulo on Saturday to protest the blocking of the popular social network, The Wall Street Journal reports.
The ongoing situation between X and Brazilian authorities has clearly had a significant impact on the social media landscape in the country. As Bluesky experiences a surge in user growth, it remains to be seen how this will affect the long-term dynamics of social media usage in Brazil. The platform’s promise of upcoming video support could further solidify its position as an alternative to X, especially if the latter faces continued challenges in the region.
The division in public opinion regarding the potential blocking of X highlights the complex nature of content moderation and freedom of speech issues in the digital age. As governments and social media platforms grapple with these challenges, users are increasingly exploring alternative platforms that align with their preferences and values.
We’ll continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates on any significant developments in this ongoing story. The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications for social media regulation and user behavior not only in Brazil but potentially in other countries as well.