Brazil has begun enforcing new measures to restrict minors’ access to social media and shield them from violent, illegal and inappropriate content.
The law, which takes effect this week, was approved last year following a scandal involving the alleged sexual exploitation of minors on Instagram.
It places stricter obligations on digital platforms and introduces tougher safeguards for children and adolescents online.
Under the new rules, teenagers up to the age of 16 must link their social media accounts to those of a legal guardian, while platforms are required to implement “reliable” age verification systems to block users under 18 from accessing harmful content, including pornographic and violent material.
“What our legislation did was ban self-declaration as an age verification mechanism, as that method is ineffective,” said Iage Miola, Director of the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), the agency overseeing implementation.
A transition phase begins immediately, during which regulators will define the technical framework for compliance. Miola said discussions have already been held with major technology companies, with identity document uploads and biometric photo verification emerging as preferred methods.
Beyond age restrictions, the law mandates that platforms promptly remove content depicting sexual exploitation or abuse and notify authorities.
Non-compliant companies risk penalties ranging from fines of up to 50 million reais (about $9 million) and account suspensions to outright bans for repeated violations.
The legislation also prohibits advertising targeted at children and adolescents and bans “loot boxes”—paid in-game features that offer random rewards.
“Unlike other countries, Brazil opted for a law that is not limited to regulating social media for children, but rather covers the entire internet,” said Renata Tomaz, a professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation.
With a population of over 200 million and one of the world’s most connected online communities, Brazil joins a growing list of countries tightening regulations to protect minors from the risks associated with digital platforms.
About The Author
