Brazil moves to ban social media access for users under 16

Brazil's Chamber of Deputies is debating PL 94/2026, a bill that would prohibit children under 16 from accessing social‑media platforms. The proposal, authored by deputy Greyce Elias (PL‑MG), cites concerns about harmful content, cyberbullying, sexual exploitation, hate speech and addictive algorithms, linking them to anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts among youth. The bill would amend the Digital Child and Adolescent Statute and includes fines of up to R$ 500 million for platforms that fail to comply.

Supporters such as Federal District Attorney‑General Diana Ramos argue the measure aligns with civil‑code notions of absolute incapacity and builds on recent school‑cell phone restrictions. They point to similar bans in Australia, Portugal and the United Kingdom. Opponents, including the Digital Council representing major tech firms (Google, Meta, TikTok, etc.), warn that total prohibition drives teens to use fake accounts, shared adult credentials or VPNs; Roberta Jacarandá noted that “85 % of young people between 12 and 15 continue accessing the networks …” despite blocks.

Brazilian regulators also cautioned that overly broad definitions could unintentionally affect services that are primarily educational or informational. Renato Oliveira of the Ministry of Communications stressed the need for age‑verification mechanisms that respect proportionality, data‑security and privacy. The Instituto Alana highlighted the importance of strengthening the existing Digital Statute rather than imposing a blanket ban, recommending design changes to platform features that encourage prolonged use.