Brazilian Judiciary Introduces Child‑Content Permits as Courts Grapple with Record Case Load

The National Council of Justice (CNJ) approved a resolution establishing nationwide rules for judicial authorizations (alvarás) that allow children and adolescents to participate in artistic activities on digital platforms. The measure implements the Digital Child and Adolescent Statute (Law 15.211/2025) and Decree 12.880/2025, aiming to protect minors from economic exploitation, adultisation and excessive exposure online. Alvarás must be requested by a legal guardian, are valid for up to 12 months for children and 18 months for teenagers, and can be altered by a judge as needed.

At the same time, retired Supreme Court of Justice (STJ) minister César Asfor Rocha warned that Brazil’s courts are overwhelmed by a surge in litigation. The number of judges rose from about 13 000 in 2009 to 16 000 in 2026, while cases jumped from 20 million to roughly 64 million, forcing faster rulings that are often less reflective. Rocha defended the judiciary, stating, “Devemos louvar o papel do Judiciário brasileiro, coisa que não está muito em voga…”. Both developments highlight the tension between expanding legal safeguards for vulnerable groups and the systemic strain on the Brazilian justice system.