Its in Portugese but it looks like Whatsapp will be shut down for the next 48 hours in the Country due to the cell companies trying to push that its a telecommunications service.

Thought those in country or preparing to go should be advised.

http://epoca.globo.com/vida/experiencias-digitais/noticia/2015/12/whatsapp-pode-ser-bloqueado-por-48-horas-no-brasil-partir-de-amanha.html

Its in Portugese but it looks like Whatsapp will be shut down for the next 48 hours in the Country due to the cell companies trying to push that its a telecommunications service.

Thought those in country or preparing to go should be advised.

http://epoca.globo.com/vida/experiencias-digitais/noticia/2015/12/whatsapp-pode-ser-bloqueado-por-48-horas-no-brasil-partir-de-amanha.html

Here is an English version of the issue. The article appears in PC today -

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2496766,00.asp?mailing_id=1526080&mailing=DailyNews&mailingID=DBC04CDA123554D14265733985A758D1

UPDATE -

Now it is back working - the ban was lifted by a different judge. See this BBC article:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35125559

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The Brasilian judge ordered WhatsApp to run a wire tap on the trafficker's communications. WhatsApp did not respond to the judge's order as well as not making the appearances in court as requested. They broke the law.

Whether they could or should do as requested, they missed at least three different court appearances.