Brazil imposes AI disclosure rules for 2026 election advertising

Brazil's Superior Electoral Court (TSE) has updated its electoral code to require an explicit, prominent notice whenever synthetic content—generated or altered by artificial intelligence—is used in political propaganda for the 2026 general election. The rule applies to text, audio, video and images, covering deep‑fakes and other AI‑created media. It also bans the paid promotion, monetisation or redistribution of new AI‑generated content during the 72‑hour period before voting and the 24‑hour window after the poll. Violations can trigger immediate removal of the material and fines ranging from R$5,000 to R$30,000, while internet platforms must halt boosting and monetize illicit content.

The regulations are already being enforced. In Mato Grosso do Sul, a state judge ordered the removal of several AI‑enhanced videos from a pre‑candidacy campaign of João Henrique Catan (Novo) and imposed daily fines up to R$1,500, capped at tens of thousands of reais. These cases illustrate how Brazil is becoming a testing ground for balancing digital innovation with electoral integrity, amid wider concerns from international bodies about AI‑driven misinformation in democracies.