backBrazil’s Supreme Federal Court (STF) has reached a majority to partially strike down Article 19 of the country’s Internet Bill of Rights, a key provision that shields platforms from liability for third-party content unless they ignore a judicial takedown order. The shift could mark a significant change in Brazilian internet governance by allowing content to be removed preemptively and increasing pressure on platforms to police speech. With Justice Gilmar Mendes joining five other justices in favor of the change, the court now holds the votes needed to alter the current standard.
Several justices, including Barroso, Zanin, and Fux, argued that platforms should be held accountable in cases involving “crimes against the Democratic Rule of Law”—a broad legal concept that may encompass political speech. The court is also considering allowing liability without court orders in cases such as hate speech, child pornography, and incitement to suicide. The final guidelines and thresholds will be defined in upcoming sessions as the trial resumes on Wednesday (June 12), shaping a new chapter in Brazil’s online freedom of expression landscape.
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