“Protecting Free Speech or Shifting Accountability? Meta and Google Stand Behind Brazilian Lawshielding Companies from User Content Consequences.”

Meta, the parent company of Google, is defending a law in Brazil’s Supreme Court that holds internet platforms responsible for the content uploaded by their users. The law, known as the “Brazilian Fake News Law”, has been criticized by human rights groups as well as technology companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and others.
In a document submitted to the Supreme Court, Meta argued that the law “provides a legal framework for the protection of user data and promotes transparency in the provision of internet services” and noted that internet platforms already have moderation measures in place to remove illegal content.
Meta also pointed out that the Brazilian law is consistent with the principles of the Marco Civil da Internet, a landmark Brazilian law that regulates the use of the internet in Brazil.
“Internet platforms have a responsibility to help combat the spread of harmful content,” Meta said in the document. “At the same time, however, they must be free to engage in protected speech without fear of liability for the speech of others.”
The Brazilian Fake News Law was enacted last year and aims to combat the spread of false information online. Under the law, internet platforms can be fined up to 10% of their revenue in Brazil if they fail to remove content deemed illegal within 24 hours of receiving a notification.
While Meta is defending the law in Brazil, the company is facing scrutiny in other countries for its role in moderating online content. In the United States, Meta has been accused by lawmakers of not doing enough to combat the spread of misinformation, hate speech, and other harmful content.
Key Takeaway:
1. Meta is defending a law in Brazil’s Supreme Court that holds internet platforms responsible for the content uploaded by their users.
2. The Brazilian Fake News Law was enacted last year and aims to combat the spread of false information online.
3. Internet platforms can be fined up to 10% of their revenue in Brazil if they fail to remove content deemed illegal within 24 hours of receiving a notification.
4. While Meta is defending the law in Brazil, the company is facing scrutiny in other countries for its role in moderating online content.