Brazilian Chamber approves bill against the adultification of children on social media.

247 - The plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies approved, on Wednesday night (20), Bill (PL) 2628/2022, which creates rules to prevent crimes and protect children and adolescents in digital environments. The information was released by Agency Brazilwhich highlighted the strong mobilization of civil society organizations in defense of the proposal.

Authored by Senator Alessandro Vieira (MDB-SE), the bill was reported in the Chamber of Deputies by Representative Jadyel Alencar (Republicanos-PI). Because the text underwent changes compared to the version already approved in the Senate, it will return to the Chamber for further analysis before proceeding to presidential approval.

National authority and measures against digital risks

One of the central points of the proposal is the creation of an autonomous national authority, which will have the function of overseeing, issuing regulations, and ensuring compliance with the law. The model will follow the lines of the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD).

With 16 chapters and 41 articles, the text obliges digital platforms to adopt "reasonable" measures to prevent children and adolescents from accessing inappropriate content, such as sexual exploitation, violence, harassment, gambling, and abusive advertising.

Furthermore, it establishes rules for the collection and processing of personal data, digital advertising, and electronic games, including a ban on exposure to gambling.

Penalties foreseen

Penalties for companies that fail to comply with the new regulations range from warnings to fines of up to R$ 50 million, in addition to the possibility of suspension or even a permanent ban on activities in Brazil.

The Speaker of the House, Representative Hugo Motta (Republicanos-PB), celebrated the approval: "I have no doubt that our children and teenagers will recognize the work of the Brazilian Parliament in seeking a safe environment on social media and in the digital world.".

Opposition support following changes to the text.

Initially criticized by sectors of the opposition, the project gained support after adjustments made by the rapporteur. Among these adjustments were the provision for an independent regulatory agency and a clear definition of who can request the removal of illegal content.

Rules for removing criminal content

Article 29 of the text stipulates that criminal content involving children and adolescents may be removed by platforms as soon as there is notification from the victim, legal representatives, the Public Prosecutor's Office, or child rights advocacy organizations, without the need for a court order.

Congresswoman Sâmia Bonfim (PSOL-SP) defended the proposal as a response to digital crimes: "Bill 2628 protects freedom of expression and of the press because it has a very restrictive list of content that can be immediately removed. This includes content related to sexual exploitation, pornography, harassment, encouragement of self-harm, and scams against children and adolescents.".

National mobilization following influencer complaint.

The debate on the topic gained momentum after the complaint filed by comedian Felipe Bressanim Pereira, known as Felca, on August 9th. In a video that has already surpassed 50 million views, he accused influencer Hytalo Santos of exploiting minors and warned about the risks of exposing children on social media.

The public outcry triggered intense mobilization among families, experts, authorities, and civil society organizations, accelerating the voting on the bill, which now returns to the Senate for final review.