Fake news crackdown opens dangerous precedent for censorship

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 the spread of false information online.

In his decision, Justice Moraes argued that suspending these social media accounts was “necessary for the interruption of hate speech, subversion, and encouragement to break the institutional and democratic normality.” 

Researchers consulted by The Brazilian Report warned that Justice Moraes’ latest decision sets a dangerous precedent that would allow punishment related to illicit content...