Telegram sends mass biased message against Fake News PL

The bill (PL) that deals with combating fake news has not been spared from a campaign against it by big techs, the large technology companies that operate in Brazil. Telegram sent out a mass message on Tuesday afternoon, calling the proposal “unnecessary” and saying it “grant censorship powers to the government”.

The project is being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies, after the request for withdrawal from the plenary agenda. Even so, companies have attacked the proposal.

The text was broadcast on the Telegram Brasil channel, used for official platform communications in the country. Like Google, the messaging app used its platform to criticize the legislative proposal. The text begins by saying that “democracy is under attack in Brazil” and that the legislative proposal “will kill the modern internet”. According to the message, Telegram states that it may close its doors if the Fake News PL is approved with the current text.

One of the most delicate points of the PL for social media platforms is the possibility that they will be penalized for broadcasting false news, with fines that can reach millions of reais. In addition, if the legislative proposal becomes law, these big techs will have to remunerate journalistic content conveyed by their platforms.

This afternoon’s Telegram attack echoes Google’s stance. On the 1st, on the eve of the Chamber’s vote, the platform included a link on its search homepage that directed users to an article, signed by Marcelo Lareda, director of Government Relations and Public Policy at Google Brasil, repudiating the PL of Fake News . Last Tuesday, the 2nd, the mayor, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), postponed the vote.

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) and the government reacted to the onslaughts of big techs. On the one hand, the National Consumer Secretariat notified Google to remove the link from its homepage within two hours, under penalty of a fine. On the other hand, Minister Alexandre de Moraes determined that the Federal Police hear the presidents of Google, Meta, Spotify and Brasil Paralelo, so that they explain the alleged crusade made against the PL.

Telegram was left out of this first round of pressure. Recently, the application was in the sights of Justice and even had an order to suspend its operation signed by Supreme Minister Alexandre de Moraes. However, Telegram reversed the situation in court and continues to operate normally.

“Democracy is under attack in Brazil. The Chamber of Deputies is expected to vote soon on PL 2630/2020, which was recently amended to include more than 20 completely new articles that have never been widely debated. See how this bill will kill the modern internet if passed with its current wording. If approved, companies like Telegram may have to stop providing services in Brazil.

Grants Censorship Powers to the Government

This bill allows the government to limit what can be said online by forcing apps to proactively remove facts or opinions that it deems “unacceptable” [1] and suspend any internet service – without a court order. [2]

For example, the Ministry of Justice recently requested certification against Telegram, claiming that the app “did not respond to a request” – even before the request was made. If PL 2630/2020 had been in force, the government could have immediately blocked the app as a “preventive measure” until Telegram proved that it did not violate any law.

Transfers Judicial Powers to Applications

That bill makes digital platforms responsible for deciding what content is “illegal” instead of the courts – and provides broad settings for illegal content. [3]

To avoid fines, platforms will choose to remove any opinions related to controversies held, especially provided that are not within the view of any government currently in power, which directly puts democracy at risk.

Creates a Permanent Surveillance System

The bill requires platforms to monitor communications and inform law enforcement if a crime is suspected to have taken place or may take place in the future. [4]

This creates a permanent surveillance system, similar to that of countries with anti-democratic regimes.

It’s unnecessary

Brazil already has laws to deal with the criminal activities that this bill is intended to cover (including attacks on democracy).

The new bill seeks to circumvent this legal framework, allowing a single administrative entity to regulate speech without prior independent judicial oversight. [5]

And more!

This just scratches the surface of why this new bill is dangerous. That’s why Google, Meta and others have teamed up to show Brazil’s National Congress why the bill needs to be rewritten – but it won’t be possible without your help.

What Can You Do to Change It?

You can talk to your congressman here or on social media today. Brazilians deserve a free internet and a free future.”

*With information from Gaúcha Zero Hora

Read more:

TRF2 overturns decision and resumes Telegram in Brazil

STF gives Telegram 24 hours to comply with determinations and avoid blocking

Secretary of Digital Policies bets on support for the Fake News PL