Is Brazil’s New Bill A Strong Statement Or A Chance To Censor?

Did you know that by 2024, websites are banned from using yellow as it causes screen issues? #ItWasAllYellow!

Well, actually they’re not. This statement is false. We made it up to show you how simple it is to spread misinformation and fake news! #BeCareful

Social media and instant messaging apps have made it much easier to share media and information. However, they’ve also made it much easier to spread misinformation!

In a bid to curb misinformation, the Brazilian government is looking to introduce a new law that would make tech conglomerates and social networking platforms responsible for finding and reporting disinformation, fake news and illegal material, through Bill No. 2630 (Brazilian Law on Freedom, Responsibility and Transparency on the Internet).

The regulation, also called the “fake news” law, puts the onus of policing platforms on social media companies, with failures to do so resulting in big fines, which also relieves courts from intervening.

The move, led by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes (Brazil's electoral authority head) is fueled by the belief that "believe no jurisdiction in the world can oversee them" and is looking to preserve Brazil’s democracy.

Speaking to judges and public servants studying electoral law, Moraes said, "The big tech platforms have been challenged and they will be penalized. They will be held accountable, to guarantee the voter's freedom to vote."

Furthermore, the supreme court asked Brazilian representatives of Google, Meta and Spotify to testify their conduct of the bill, with Moraes saying, “Such conduct could configure, in theory, abuse of economic power on the eve of voting on the bill by trying to illegally and immorally impact public opinion and the vote in congress.”


However, on the other side are the tech giants who aren’t too impressed with the Brazilian government’s move, calling it a "Censorship Bill".

Global tech companies are raising concerns about the bill, believing it would lead to excessive censorship and could compromise free services on its platform if made to pay content providers and copyright owners.

The protest also included Google adding links to blogs countering the bill and asking for support from users. This was met by the Brazilian government giving Google 2 hours to remove the link or be fined, as they believed it resulted in undue interference in proceedings.

Google removed it within minutes but claimed to be right in voicing its concerns through "marketing campaigns", saying, “We support discussions on measures to combat the phenomenon of misinformation. All Brazilians have the right to be part of this conversation, and as such, we are committed to communicating our concerns about Bill 2630 publicly and transparently.”

Telegram too faced issues from officials regarding critical messages made on the platform and while it was taken down, the comapny raised concerns about its operability in the country, saying, "While we complied with the order to remove our messages, Telegram stands behind its analysis and believes that laws that will affect the lives of tens of millions of people require public attention and a reasonable period of debate."


Furthermore, the bill faced criticism from conservative lawmakers, who think the bill is a move to censor its opponents. The bill was even taken off the fast track due to low support in the lower house and is pending a vote on an undetermined date. Critics too believe the bill was drawn in a haste and needs more debate.

What do you think of the bill? Do you think social networking platforms need stricter regulations as proposed by the Brazilian government? Let us know in the comments below!