Minister states that ECA Digital holds networks accountable and expands protection of children on the internet
The Minister of Human Rights, (PT), said this Wednesday (18.mar.2026) that , the so-called ECA Digital, , represents “an important step” to adapt the protection of minors to the virtual environment. In an interview with the EBC program, she stated that the new legislation reaffirms the principle of absolute priority for children and expands the accountability of digital platforms.
According to the minister, the central objective is to bring to the internet rules that already exist in the Child and Adolescent Statute. “What is law in the physical environment must apply to the digital environment”he declared. She said that, until now, there was an interpretation that restricted the application of the statute online, which allowed practices contrary to legislation.
ECA Digital establishes measures such as data protection, risk prevention and direct obligations to technology companies. “Platforms are no one’s territory. They have to take responsibility for the rights of children and adolescents”he stated.
in September 2025, , emerged to regulate information technology products and services targeted or “likely access” to children. The basis of the standard is the principle of full protection and the vulnerability of the developing person. The law seeks to prevent commercial exploitation, abuse and digital violence committed against this public.
The approval of the law gained momentum after public debate about the law, intensified by complaints from children, such as those investigated by the Public Ministry. Macaé stated that these cases highlighted existing problems. “The child stops living in their own environment, stops playing, going to school, because they start to be called to work during the day”these.
Among the changes, the minister highlighted the end of the so-called age anonymity, which allowed minors to access content simply by declaring their age. She explained that the new rule establishes additional verification mechanisms. “There is a pattern of usage that indicates that you are not an adult. When this appears, platforms must take additional steps to verify age”he declared.
Macaé stated that the application of the rules will be gradual and depends on the adaptation of companies, government and society. “It’s not an immediate transformation. It’s a process of changing practices”he said. According to her, part of the mechanisms already existed, but were not used. “It is not possible to put child protection below profit”he stated.
The minister also said that platforms may be asked to remove illegal content without the need for a prior court decision in clear cases. “If there is content that is clearly a crime against children, the platform itself can remove it”he declared.
The government projects institutional reinforcement for inspection, strengthening the ANPD (National Data Protection Authority) and the Federal Police’s role in digital crimes. A screening center will also be created to expedite complaints.
Shared responsibility with families and schools
Macaé also highlighted the shared responsibility with families and schools. “Educating is not always comfortable. Often you have to say no”he stated. She cited impacts of excessive use of networks, such as “depression, anxiety and young people who are self-harming”.
The minister said that the effectiveness of the law will depend on society’s adherence. “We fight to pass the law and then we fight to make it work”he declared. According to her, ECA Digital “It is an integral protection instrument”but requires participation from everyone. “You can’t see a violation and remain silent”he stated.
She advised that complaints be made on the platforms themselves, on Dial 100 or to guardianship councils. “We are often preventing the life of a child”these.
