Brazil Intensifies Efforts to Combat Disinformation Ahead of 2026 Elections

As Brazil approaches the 2026 elections, the fight against disinformation has taken center stage amid growing concerns over manipulated media and misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence. The Brazilian Senate and the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) have stepped up cooperation to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure voters have access to reliable information.

The Senate’s "Senado Verifica" service, established in 2020, plays a critical role by answering citizen queries, verifying claims, and simplifying electoral information regarding voting procedures and candidate selections. Since 2022, this initiative has cooperated with the TSE’s Permanent Program to Combat Disinformation to enhance public understanding of electoral processes and the use of electronic voting machines.

Ester Monteiro, manager of the Senate’s Press Advisory Office, highlighted that the partnership focuses on monitoring misleading content and educating the electorate through reports, interviews, podcasts, and educational videos. A key concern is the misuse of AI technologies such as deepfakes and cloned audio, which could be employed to smear candidates by falsely attributing statements. In response, TSE rules prohibit deepfakes in electoral propaganda and mandate clear labeling of AI-generated or modified content.

Voters are encouraged to consult trusted sources before making decisions. Political scientist Cristiano Noronha stresses referencing official portals like the Chamber of Deputies and Senate websites for accurate candidate information and cautions against spreading unverified information, particularly through WhatsApp. He also advises voters to understand local issues thoroughly to evaluate candidates effectively.

Educational tools like the TSE’s "Manual do Eleitor," an electronic guide detailing electoral regulations through videos and texts, aim to empower voters. Citizens can also report suspicious content to the Electoral Disinformation Alert System and document irregular electoral messages.

As Brazilians prepare to elect presidents, governors, federal deputies, and senators, the ongoing public and institutional efforts to prevent misinformation underscore the fundamental importance of protecting the freedom of voting and preserving electoral integrity.