Brazil fears global isolation after the European Union backtracks on regulating big tech companies.
The government was counting on an alliance with the Europeans, but Trump's decision to retaliate against those who impose rules on technology companies slowed the EU's progress on the agenda.
247 - The Brazilian government fears becoming isolated on the international stage given signs of the European Union (EU) backing down on its agenda to regulate large technology companies, the so-called C&A. big techThe expectation was to form an alliance with the EU, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada to counter threats from US President Donald Trump to retaliate against countries that imposed regulations and taxes on digital platforms, mostly American. However, during the Brazil-EU Digital Dialogue, held in Brussels, the Europeans avoided more forceful commitments, frustrating Brazilian expectations, as highlighted by [source missing]. Sheet.
The EU, a pioneer in regulating the sector with the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), has shown signs of slowing down. In February, the bloc announced the suspension of the Artificial Intelligence Accountability Regime Directive and revealed that the AI code of conduct, scheduled for April, will have simplified rules. Furthermore, multi-billion dollar fines imposed on companies like Meta, Apple, and Google have generated protests from American business leaders and authorities. Trump has described these penalties as a form of "taxation" on US companies.
For the Brazilian government, joining forces with other countries is crucial to increasing its bargaining power in negotiations with tech giants. However, Brazil's natural partners face challenges: Russia and China, members of BRICS, are autocratic regimes that block internet platforms, while the United Kingdom and Canada experience political instability or prioritize innovation over digital security. If Brazil proceeds alone in the initiative to regulate... big techIt may face economic pressure and criticism that it is "closing the market" and discouraging investment.
European authorities deny that the rollback in regulatory policies is a direct response to pressure from Trump. "The EU is regulating to stimulate investment in artificial intelligence, not because of pressure from large US technology companies or the Trump administration," stated Henna Virkkunen, Vice-President of the European Commission. Meanwhile, Brazil faces a challenging scenario, seeking to balance the need for regulation with the risk of global isolation and economic pressures. The continuation of this agenda will depend on the country's ability to build alliances and confront criticism from powers such as the US.
