The Parliamentary Front in Defense of Freedom of Expression requested a hearing with the president of the (Federal Supreme Court), to deliver a letter expressing concern about the .
The letter will be read in the plenary session this Wednesday afternoon (18) by the president of the front, the federal deputy.
In the document, parliamentarians defend the article, which says that companies can only be used to remove illegal content. There are exceptions for copyright infringement and non-consensual nude images.
In the text, they state that changes to the current regime “could generate profound consequences, including the possibility of expanding private censorship or disproportionate pressure on platforms, which, fearing penalties, could adopt excessively restrictive stances in controlling content.”
The parliamentarians also argue that an accountability regime that dispenses with the requirement for a court order ignores the role of Congress as a public policy maker and “brings us closer to practices typical of authoritarian regimes.”
“Without the mediation of the State-Judge and the guarantees of due process and the right to contradictory proceedings, social networks would be placed in the delicate position of arbiters of what can or cannot remain online, running the risk of limiting the diversity of opinions and stifling voices dissidents”, indicates the letter, which mentions that this was the path taken by Turkey, Russia and Venezuela.
In the text, the front also says that the , held in the Chamber since 2020, was not the solution as it was far from the will of Congress.
But he warns that, if the STF decides to “legislate through its decision”, it could “weaken the democratic process and discourage the dialogue necessary for the maturity of our legislation.”
It also states that, in this scenario, it will be up to Congress to reinforce the provisions of article 19. Otherwise, the front defends that progress should be made in procedures and transparency on the matter.
“We trust in the discernment of the Federal Supreme Court to preserve the pillars of balance between the Powers, respecting the space of the Legislature so that it can fulfill its role in defending democracy and freedom of expression”, he adds.
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