US cyber surveillance memorandum sparks election interference fears in Brazil

Analysts and international relations experts are warning of potential cyber interference by the United States in Brazil’s upcoming general elections. This concern follows a memorandum signed by Donald Trump on August 12, which authorizes unprecedented collaboration between government agencies and private technology companies for “cyber surveillance” and “cyber effects.”

The memorandum allows for access to information systems without prior authorization from owners or operators to combat transnational cybercrime. Experts, including researcher Reynaldo Aragon, warn that these capabilities could be used for high-level espionage and hacking to create dossiers on individuals, potentially influencing the political debate or favoring specific candidates.

These warnings emerge amid heightened diplomatic tensions, including the imposition of 25% tariffs on Brazilian products and the cancellation of visas for Brazilian authorities. While the memorandum does not explicitly name Brazil or its electoral systems, analysts suggest the current geopolitical climate increases the risk of digital manipulation or disruption of telecommunications and information networks during the election period.