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FAKE NEWS, DATA PROTECTION AND ELECTIONS IN BRAZIL:

A LEGAL ANALYSIS

Authors

  • Flavia Sanna Leal de Meirelles UNIFAA, UCAM, Unicarioca
  • Liandra Sufiati Marconcini UERJ
  • Rogerio Borba da Silva UNIFACVEST, IBMEC, Unicarioca e FAMIPE

Abstract

The issue of the harmful role of fake news in elections in Brazil is addressed based on a review of current legislation on data protection and electoral justice. The research problem corresponds to the question of whether the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) can be a mechanism to face the spread of fake news for electoral purposes, and has as its object of study the relationship between elections in the society of the digital age, fake news and data protection. The general objective is to analyze the effectiveness of the LGPD in combating the spread of fake news and, consequently, as a mechanism for contributing to the Brazilian electoral process. The specific objectives are: to understand the extension of the concept of fake news, its origins and the reasons for its popularity in the society of the digital age; study the LGPD in its devices and purposes; carry out a critical analysis of the LGPD based on the undeniable reality of the unbridled dissemination of fake news for electoral reasons; evaluate the current resolutions of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) on the subject; and identify how the Court deals with issues related to fake news and data protection. Based on the methodology applied – observation and analysis of current legal norms, the profile of society and the relationships between them - it was concluded that the effects of the dissemination of fake news on election results are serious, making it urgent to adoption of measures by the Legislative and TSE. 

Author Biographies

  • Flavia Sanna Leal de Meirelles, UNIFAA, UCAM, Unicarioca

    Mestra e Doutora em Direito – UERJ. Advogada. Professora da UNIFAA, UCAM e Unicarioca. 

  • Liandra Sufiati Marconcini, UERJ

    Bacharela em Direito – Unicarioca. Pós-graduanda em Direito Digital – UERJ. Advogada. 

  • Rogerio Borba da Silva, UNIFACVEST, IBMEC, Unicarioca e FAMIPE

    Mestre em Direito - UniFlu, Doutor em Sociologia - IUPERJ. Professor Permanente do Mestrado em Direito Ambiental e Sustentabilidade – UNIFACVEST, e dos cursos de graduação em  Direito do IBMEC, Unicarioca e FAMIPE.

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Published

2023-06-30

Versions

Issue

Vol. 22

Section

Artigos

License

Ao submeter o trabalho para avaliação, os autores concordam com a cessão dos seus direitos autorais para o Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo.