Democracy is under attack in Brazil. The House of Representatives is expected to vote soon on PL 2630/2020, which was recently amended to include more than 20 completely new articles that have never been widely debated.
Here’s how this bill will kill the modern internet if passed as currently written. If passed, companies like Telegram may have to stop providing services in Brazil.
GRANT THE GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP POWERS
This bill allows the government to limit what can be said online by forcing apps to remove facts or opinions proactively it considers “unacceptable” [1] and suspend any internet service – without a court order. [2]
For example, the Minister of Justice recently requested sanctions against Telegram, claiming that the app “failed to respond to a request” – before the request was even made.
Had PL 2630/2020 been in effect, the government could have immediately blocked the app as a “precautionary measure” until Telegram proved that it did not violate any laws.
TRANSFERS JUDICIAL POWERS TO APPS
This bill makes digital platforms responsible for deciding what content is “illegal” instead of the courts – and provides overly broad definitions of illegal content. [3]
To avoid fines, platforms will choose to remove any opinions related to controversial topics, especially topics that are not aligned with the views of any government currently in power, which puts democracy directly at risk.
CREATES A PERMANENT MONITORING SYSTEM
The bill requires platforms to monitor communications and inform law enforcement if they suspect a crime has occurred or may occur. [4]
This creates a permanent surveillance system similar to countries with undemocratic regimes.
IT IS UNNECESSARY
Brazil already has laws to deal with the criminal activities this bill intends to cover (including attacks on democracy).
The new bill aims to circumvent this legal framework by allowing a single administrative entity to regulate speech without prior independent judicial oversight. [5]
AND MORE
That just touches the surface of why this new bill is dangerous. That’s why Google, Meta, and others have come together to show Brazil’s National Congress why the bill needs to be rewritten – but it won’t be possible without your help.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO CHANGE THIS
You can talk to your congressman here or on social networks today. Brazilians deserve a free Internet and a free future.