Brazil Gives Meta 72 Hours to Clarify Impact of Ending Fact-Checking, Lula and Macron Discuss Sovereignty

Jan 10, 2025, 02:27 PM

Brazil's government has given Meta, the company behind social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, 72 hours to explain the impact of its decision to end its fact-checking program in the country. This demand follows a meeting between President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his ministers, where they discussed the implications of Meta's policy change. The Brazilian government, through the Attorney General's Office (AGU), is concerned about the potential increase in misinformation and its effects on national sovereignty, democracy, and citizens' fundamental rights. In response, the AGU will issue an extrajudicial notification to Meta, seeking clarity on how the company will address issues such as racism, homophobia, suicide prevention, and political violence on its platforms. Additionally, President Lula has engaged in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, who also criticized Meta's decision. Both leaders emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between Brazil and Europe to combat the spread of fake news and protect national sovereignty.