FACT CHECK: No, This Video Does Not Show Massive Crowd In Brazil Protesting Recent Ban Of Social Platform X

Anna Mock | Fact Check Reporter

A video shared on Facebook allegedly shows a protest in Brazil following the country’s recent ban of the social platform X. 

Verdict: False

The video is miscaptioned. It was taken in February, several months prior to the X ban in Brazil.

Fact Check: 

Despite the ban, Brazilians can access Musk’s platform by using his satellite internet provider Starlink to access the app, according to The Independent. The Brazilian Supreme Court decided uphold a ban on X after the company failed to comply with a court order, the outlet reported.

An X video allegedly shows countless Brazilians gathered to protest the ban against the platform. Footage taken from a helicopter shows thousands of people filling a city street, many clad in yellow and green, similar to the Brazilian flag.

“Look at this massive protest in Brazil, fighting for free speech,” the caption reads.

This video is miscaptioned, however. Although the video was taken in Brazil, it isn’t recent. It was posted to X by Citizen Free Press on Feb. 25 with the caption, “It’s popping off in Brazil. Massive street protest against leftist president Lula.” (RELATED: Does This Video Show Kamala Harris Calling For X To Be Taken Down?)

Brazilians gathered in support of former President Jair Bolsonaro following allegations that he tried to organize a coup after losing the 2022 election against President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, according to Al Jazeera. Although many demonstrators have taken to the streets to show disapproval of the X ban, AP News reported that it was “a few thousand” compared to the tens of thousands who protested in support of Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro posted a video on Feb. 26 showing a different aerial perspective of the large crowd. 

Anna Mock

Fact Check Reporter

Trending

FACT CHECK: No, Elon Musk And Taylor Swift Did Not Tour Production Lines Of Energy-Saving Devices Together