On Wednesday (19/10), Superior Electoral Court (TSE) President Alexandre de Moraes met with representatives from the main social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, Tik Tok, Kwai, Linkedin, Google, Youtube) and told them that the platforms’ performance was reasonably good in the election’s first round, but that in this second round the disinformation situation is a disaster.
A Tsunami of Fake News
Moraes’ declaration refers to the large number of fake news spread so far in the second round. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) received more than 500 daily fake news alerts related to the election during the second round. The first 11 days of the campaign’s resumption concentrated almost half of fake news alerts. 5,869 communications were registered.
A Growth of 1,671%
In total, in this year’s campaign, the TSE forwarded 12,573 cases with suspected misinformation to social media analysis, which represents a growth of 1,671% compared to the 2020 municipal elections, when 752 cases were recorded.
Once alerted by the TSE, the platforms ended up taking measures, such as withdrawal or suspension, in 57% of serious cases.
Faster Content Removal
Moraes also said that platforms take too much time to remove irregular content, such as fake news. Thus, he requested companies like YouTube, TikTok and Kwai to take no more than four to five hours to remove videos after court complaints.
Suspension of Ads and More Power to the Superior Electoral Court
During the meeting, the electoral court informed about a new measure that was approved on the following day, Thursday (20/10). The resolution toughens action against fake news on social media. The ministers decided to ban paid electoral advertising on the internet in the period that begins 48 hours before voting day and ends 24 hours after the second round. This type of advertising must be removed immediately by the networks, under the risk of a fine of R$100,000 to R$150,000 per hour for non-compliance with the decisions.
In addition, a new rule was also created to make it difficult to spread content considered fraudulent or offensive by the court. The resolution was proposed by TSE President Alexandre de Moraes, who expands his own powers with the text. He may, among other things, determine the suspension of access to the services of a platform that fails to comply with court decisions.
Investigation Against President Bolsonaro’s Supporters
On Thursday (20/10), the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) upheld decision by Minister Benedito Gonçalves who, last Tuesday (18), determined the opening of an investigation into an alleged disinformation scheme on social networks with the involvement of city councilor Carlos Bolsonaro and profiles of Bolsonaro family supporters.
In the decision, Gonçalves gave Carlos, son of President Jair Bolsonaro, three days to provide information on the use of his social networks for political-electoral purposes. The list of people to be investigated includes President Jair Bolsonaro himself.
