Fake news crackdown opens dangerous precedent for censorship

Dozens of social media accounts were suspended for accusations of spreading fake news. The ruling could open dangerous loopholes

Jul 28, 2020 17:34 4 min read (Updated: Jul 28, 2020 17:35)

On Friday, Twitter and Facebook suspended the accounts of 16 pro-Bolsonaro individuals under investigation for allegedly spreading fake news, obeying an order from the Supreme Court. Researchers warn that this decision, upholding an initial request submitted in May, sets dangerous precedents for the discussion on freedom of expression in Brazil.

The accounts were suspended as part of the so-called Fake News probe, which is overseen by Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The investigation — which had already resulted in search and seizure operations back in May — looks into attacks against members of the Supreme Court and...

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Fake news crackdown opens dangerous precedent for censorship

Dozens of social media accounts were suspended for accusations of spreading fake news. The ruling could open dangerous loopholes

Access all of The Brazilian Report

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