started · updated
Brazil 2026 elections: Campaign begins under strict AI and digital rules
The 2026 Brazilian electoral campaign officially commenced on Sunday, August 16. The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has established strict regulations for this cycle, particularly regarding digital media and artificial intelligence. While candidates are now permitted to request votes, hold rallies, and conduct live streams for personal promotion, the use of AI is subject to rigorous oversight. Specifically, the production and circulation of deepfakes are strictly prohibited, and the use of AI in campaign materials must be clearly disclosed to voters. Furthermore, AI use is entirely banned in the three days preceding and one day following the election.
On the ground, candidates may distribute printed materials and hold street activities like parades and rallies until October 3. However, sound equipment must maintain a 200-meter distance from sensitive locations such as hospitals, schools, and government buildings. Free radio and television advertising is scheduled to begin on August 28 and will run until October 1.
Registration for various offices has concluded, with 13 presidential candidates filed, including Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro. The first round of voting is set for October 4, with a potential second round on October 25. Additionally, the TSE has introduced accessibility improvements for electronic voting machines, including new typography and expanded sign language (Libras) features to assist voters with visual impairments or disabilities.
Entities
Brazil · Cícero Lucena · Flávio Bolsonaro · Lucas Ribeiro · Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva · Sergio Moro · Tribunal Superior Eleitoral
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Sound equipment must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from schools, hospitals, and government buildings. marcelolopes.jor.br · www.gp1.com.br · www.folhabv.com.br · infonet.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The use of artificial intelligence in campaigns is permitted if voters are explicitly notified of its use. poa24horas.com.br
- [● 12 SOURCES] Electoral propaganda officially begins on Sunday, August 16, 2026. www.jairsampaio.com · marcelolopes.jor.br · visaocidade.com.br · www.gp1.com.br · www.folhabv.com.br · +6 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Live streaming by candidates for personal promotion is legally classified as a campaign act. www.jairsampaio.com · www.gp1.com.br · infonet.com.br · br.paipee.com · oconvergente.com.br · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The creation and circulation of deepfakes are strictly prohibited. www.jairsampaio.com · poa24horas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The use of artificial intelligence is banned in the three days before and one day after the election. poa24horas.com.br
- [● 5 SOURCES] The first round of the 2026 elections is scheduled for October 4. www.jairsampaio.com · marcelolopes.jor.br · br.paipee.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · visaocidade.com.br
- [● 7 SOURCES] Free radio and television advertising starts on August 28, 2026. www.jairsampaio.com · marcelolopes.jor.br · visaocidade.com.br · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · jaraguanoticia.com.br · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Free electoral advertising on radio and television starts on August 28, 2026. www.jairsampaio.com · marcelolopes.jor.br · visaocidade.com.br · poa24horas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The use of artificial intelligence is prohibited in the three days before and one day after the election. poa24horas.com.br
- [● 6 SOURCES] Sound equipment must maintain a minimum distance of 200 meters from hospitals, schools, churches, and government buildings. marcelolopes.jor.br · www.gp1.com.br · www.folhabv.com.br · infonet.com.br · oconvergente.com.br · +1 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] The production and circulation of deepfakes are expressly prohibited by electoral law. www.jairsampaio.com · poa24horas.com.br