Brazil Senate delays vote on intelligence activity regulation bill

The Brazilian Senate postponed the vote on the draft law OPL 6.423/2025 that would regulate intelligence activities. The postponement was requested by the government leadership, which asked for more time to discuss certain points of the text presented by the rapporteur, Senator Nelsinho Trad (PSD‑MS).

The bill would set rules for agents' access to personal data, the use of secret techniques and fictitious identities, strengthen protection for intelligence professionals, define crimes related to intelligence work, and create safeguards against political misuse of the system. It also proposes amendments to the 2011 Access to Information Law.

Senate President Davi Alcolumbre announced that the proposal should be voted on by 15 August after further meetings aimed at reaching consensus. Government officials, including Senator Teresa Leitão, expressed support for the bill but said adjustments are needed. The Mixed Commission for Control of Intelligence Activities (CCAI) drafted the text to fill gaps left by the 1999 law that created the Brazilian Intelligence System (Sisbin) and the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin), which currently lack detailed operational regulations.