2024 Year in Review: 5 Countries that banned social media

Temporary or total platform bans are being used by governments worldwide to manage narratives during politically sensitive times in an era where social media dominates communication. These blackouts from Turkey to Brazil draw attention to the conflict between state control and freedom of speech. Here is a look at significant incidents that garnered media attention in 2024.

Turkey: Instagram’s Nine-Day Silence

Social media bans in Turkey have gained prominence, frequently with the justifications of public order and disinformation. Instagram was blocked by the government for nine days in August 2024 after it censored posts on the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The blackout was presented as a measure to stop disinformation and disturbances. Critics counter that these actions are more about stifling dissent than upholding the rule of law. With Turkey’s history of silencing online platforms during political turmoil, these bans raise concerns about eroding digital freedoms in the country.

Venezuela: Protests and the X Ban

Social media bans are now a common tactic used by President Nicolás Maduro’s administration in Venezuela to curb criticism. Widespread protests led to the ten-day blocking of the platform X (previously Twitter) after Maduro’s contentious reelection in August 2024. The prolonged blackout served as a reminder of how social media prohibitions are employed to silence dissenting opinions. Critics pointed out that such measures not only restrict free expression but also cut off residents from the global discourse, giving them few ways to air their complaints.

Brazil: The Supreme Court’s Legal Showdown with X

Brazil’s clash with X took a different turn. In August 2024, the country’s Supreme Court suspended X for failing to comply with legislative regulations, such as designating a local representation. The court’s ruling came after a crackdown on accounts accused of spreading disinformation. While the ban appeared to be indefinite, it was removed some months later when X paid large fines of 28 million reais ($5.1 million) and agreed to legal demands.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes, who approved the platform’s return, ruled that conformity with Brazilian law was non-negotiable. The episode demonstrated the expanding authority of national courts to hold cyber behemoths accountable, even as critics warned of overreach and possible risks to free expression.

Australia: Pioneering a Ban on Minors

Australia has passed a landmark rule prohibiting minors under 16 from using social media apps such as Instagram, WhatsApp, TikTok, and X. The legislation, hailed as the world’s first of its type, requires strong safeguards to prevent children from logging in. Noncompliance could result in fines of up to A$49.5 million ($32 million), setting a strong precedent for protecting younger users online.

Albania: TikTok Under Scrutiny

TikTok, which is already prohibited in some nations, may soon face restrictions in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama indicated that a ban could go into force in early 2025. The decision comes after a horrific incident in which a 14-year-old pupil was slain in a brawl that purportedly started over a social media dispute. This has sparked a nationwide debate on the role of digital platforms in fueling offline violence.