Lula's Campaign Accuses Meta of Election Interference Favoring Bolsonaro

Lula's re-election campaign has formally accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of interference in the 2026 Brazilian electoral process to benefit Senator Flávio Bolsonaro. The campaign alleges that Meta has created technical difficulties that have disadvantaged Lula's efforts to reach voters and promote his platform, pushing the campaign to take legal action against Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and the National Data Protection Agency (ANPD).

Campaign coordinator Senator Camilo Santana stated that Meta's actions have resulted in an imbalance in a tightly contested election, with allegations that the social media giant is preventing Brazilian voters from accessing critical information about Bolsonaro. Specific incidents cited by Lula's team include the inability to promote content through Lula's Instagram profile and the removal of an ad account during the first round of elections. Additionally, they assert the algorithm on these platforms favors Bolsonaro's candidacy, further undermining Lula's messaging.

The campaign is intensifying its focus on social media to counterbalance Bolsonaro’s traditionally strong presence in this space. Their objective is to alert voters about the implications of a Bolsonaro victory, especially concerning the future of social programs. In the midst of these allegations, Lula's allies have voiced concerns about potential American influence in Brazil's elections, speculating that Meta's conduct may be motivated by former US President Donald Trump’s preference for right-wing candidates.

These accusations come amid a politically heated climate in Brazil, underscoring the growing scrutiny of the role that major technology companies play in the democratic process. Legal actions targeting both the TSE and the ANPD indicate Lula's campaign is seeking formal investigations into possible misuse of platform algorithms and technical management that could sway election outcomes. The developments highlight the intersection of digital platforms, election integrity, and international influence in Brazil's current electoral context.