Brazil is shaping up big tech companies, but how will the world confront digital crime in 2025?

In June 2025, tech giants—Meta, Google, TikTok, X—face global pressure to answer for digital crimes. Fake news, slander, libel, disinformation, and cybercrimes challenge governments and citizens. Here, I delve into the responses from Brazil, Europe, the US, and, soon, China, bringing in voices from humanist thinkers and metaphors to illuminate the debate.

In Brazil, the Supreme Federal Court (STF) changed the game. On June 26, 2025, by a vote of 8 to 3, the justices decided that digital platforms are responsible for removing criminal content.

This includes child pornography, human trafficking, and incitement to violence, following extrajudicial notifications. Crimes against honor, such as slander and defamation, still require a court order.

Companies must publish transparency reports. They also need to maintain legal representatives in Brazil.

The decision was driven by serious cases. The anti-democratic acts of January 8, 2023, and fraud using the INSS (Brazilian National Social Security Institute) brand are examples. Artificial intelligence amplifies these problems, with algorithms that spread dangerous content.

“Technology can elevate or destroy human dignity. Regulating the platforms is essential,” wrote Martha Nussbaum, a philosopher at the University of Chicago.

But there are risks. Bruna Santos, a specialist in digital governance, warns: "Without clear criteria, we could fall into a 'digital Wild West,' with arbitrary removals."

Europe: a mosaic of rules

In the European Union, the Digital Services Act (DSA), in force since 2022, is a global model. It obliges platforms to prevent illegal content, such as hate speech and disinformation.

Fines can reach up to 6% of global revenue. In 2025, enforcement tightened. TikTok was investigated for videos of "dangerous challenges" that put teenagers at risk.

Large platforms, like X, face stricter rules. European regulation is like a... stained glass mosaic in a Gothic cathedralEach piece — the laws — is adjusted to form a harmonious whole, filtering the light from the digital clutter, but requiring precision to avoid cracking.

Small businesses are complaining. They say the rules stifle innovation.

Before passing away in 2024, Jürgen Habermas argued: “The digital public sphere needs democratic rules. Without them, dialogue becomes chaos.” His vision continues to inspire.

United States: a chaotic game

In the US, regulation is a mess. Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996 protects platforms from liability for third-party content.

In 2025, proposals to change this are moving forward, but without consensus. Republicans accuse companies of censoring conservative voices. Democrats want more control over fake news, such as lies about vaccines, and online fraud.

Without federal law, states and courts create their own rules. It's like a... football match without a refereeThe players — the platforms — do what they want.

The public—both the public and politicians—clamor for rules, but no one decides who's in charge. AI amplifies this problem, spreading misinformation in seconds.

"Technology without ethics threatens freedom. We need laws that protect without stifling," says Cornel West, American philosopher and activist.

China and other horizons

In China, the government controls everything. The Cybersecurity Law compels platforms like WeChat and Douyin to censor "illegal" content in real time, including criticism of the Communist Party.

Crimes like defamation are resolved without transparency. The model suppresses misinformation, but crushes freedom.

Lula's visit to China in 2025 has reignited debates about TikTok, which follows Chinese rules.

In Australia, the Online Safety Act, updated in 2025, penalizes platforms that fail to combat cyberbullying or fake news. In India, rules require WhatsApp and X to identify the origin of criminal messages.

This raises controversy about privacy. In Africa, Nigeria and South Africa are facing misinformation that fuels ethnic conflicts.

But there are insufficient resources for enforcement. The African Union is discussing a model inspired by Europe.

South African thinker Achille Mbembe warns: “Social media can unite or divide. Without fair regulation, hate prevails.”

AI: a giant challenge

Artificial intelligence is a double-edged sword. Deepfakes and fake news generated by AI spread quickly.

In Brazil, the Penal Code punishes slander and defamation, but the speed of AI complicates everything. Algorithms that seek engagement amplify false content.

Balancing moderation and freedom of expression is the dilemma. The Brazilian Supreme Court (STF) says it wants to protect, not censor. In Europe, the DSA prevents arbitrary removals. In the US, polarization hinders progress.

By 2025, the world seeks to tame Big Tech. Brazil leads in Latin America with the Supreme Court's decision. Europe is moving forward with solid regulations.

The US is floundering in the division. China, with its state control, is a different case altogether.

Platforms say that strict rules stifle innovation. Victims of online crime demand protection. Transparency and global cooperation are the way forward.

I am increasingly convinced that the challenge is to use technology to unite humanity, not to divide it.