Government published measures for big techs; In a speech, the president criticized the influence of algorithms on networks and elections
The president (PT) stated on Thursday (May 21, 2026) that “it’s not against the internet”but criticized the power of algorithms and said that users are “losing control” on digital platforms. The statement was given 1 day after the government issued decrees that expand the accountability of big techs and create new rules for the operations of platforms in Brazil.
“I’m not stupid enough to be against the internet. The internet is something that came to revolutionize. What I’m against is that human beings are losing control”declared during a speech at the 6th National Web of Culture Points, in Aracruz (ES).
According to Lula, algorithms began to dominate people’s behavior and directly influence the consumption of information on social networks.
“We are not the ones dominating the algorithms. They are the ones dominating”he stated.
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed, on Wednesday (May 20), four bills and two decrees aimed at protecting women in the digital environment and regulating platforms. One of the texts requires companies to remove intimate images published without consent within two hours of the user reporting it, even without a court order.
Platforms will also have to preserve evidence for future investigations and create specific channels for reporting digital violence against women.
Another decree changes the rules of the Marco Civil da Internet and expands companies’ liability for illegal content. The text obliges platforms to act preventively against fraud, child sexual exploitation, terrorism, violence against women and digital scams.
The measures also address algorithmic transparency, combating misinformation, protecting children and adolescents and preventing deepfakes sex produced with artificial intelligence.
Despite this, the decrees do not detail objective criteria for removing content or specify administrative punishments. Supervision will be the responsibility of the National Data Protection Agency.
Sanctions may include a warning, a fine of up to 10% of revenue, temporary suspension of activities and even a ban on operation, based on the Marco Civil da Internet.
O Poder360 listed in the infographic below the changes to the rules for big techs not Brazil:
During his speech, Lula also stated that artificial intelligence can help areas such as health, education and engineering, but criticized the use of technology in political campaigns.
“Artificial intelligence is a very great asset for humanity. But it could not be clean in politics, because you cannot vote for a lie”, he declared.
The speech was made during the opening of the 6th National Web of Culture Points, an event resumed after 12 years without editions. The ceremony brought together representatives of popular culture, traditional people and members of the Cultura Viva network. The meeting was attended by the Minister of Culture, Margareth Menezes, Senator Fabiano Contarato (PT-ES) and the interim Minister of Health, Adriano Massuda.
Watch the event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bE-Sb-sC2vg
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