On May 28, 2024, the Brazilian Congress made a controversial decision to uphold former President Jair Bolsonaro’s veto against criminalizing fake news. The vote saw 317 deputies supporting the veto, sparking intense reactions and debates.
The proposed legislation aimed to penalize spreading fake news with up to five years in prison, but Bolsonaro removed provisions from the National Security Law (LSN) addressing crimes against the democratic state, including those related to fake news.
After the Chamber of Deputies upheld the veto without Senate review, the session was filled with tension. Opposition leader Flávio Bolsonaro urged against challenging the veto and acknowledged support from various groups.
Despite efforts by the opposition and the Centrão bloc, the government’s stance prevailed, marking a setback for those advocating stricter misinformation controls.
Background:
Global laws targeting fake news may inadvertently threaten journalistic freedom and impact the upcoming 2024 elections. Only a few statutes explicitly define fake news, with many allowing government oversight or lacking clear guidance.
These laws, aimed at protecting public discourse, may instead pose risks to media autonomy, as highlighted in a study by the Center for News, Technology, and Innovation (CNTI).