[REVISION HISTORY]

Brazilian judicial scrutiny and digital debate

9 recorded revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-30 03:36 UTC → 2026-10-09 16:00 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes has become a central figure in Brazil’s digital and political landscape. Initially, Moraes expressed criticism toward digital influencers, arguing that some content creators discredit traditional media by discussing complex issues without sufficient expertise. He also highlighted how big tech algorithms can create information bubbles and noted his support for revisiting the requirement of a journalism diploma for the profession. Following these tensions, legal proceedings involving Moraes triggered massive digital engagement across Brazil. During a period coinciding with the 2026 presidential campaign, judicial sessions generated millions of social media mentions and record-breaking views on the STF’s official YouTube channel. Search interest for the STF reached its highest level since 2004, surpassing searches for both President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and presidential candidate Flávio Bolsonaro. This surge in digital activity reflects intense political polarization regarding the independence of the STF. Expanding his judicial influence into labor rights, Moraes led a successful effort to equalize maternity and adoptive leave periods. The STF unanimously ruled that all mothers, regardless of professional ~~status—including private-sector workers, public servants, and military members—are~~ status, are entitled to 120 days of paid leave, with a potential 60-day extension. While the ruling equalizes leave duration, the court declined a request to allow parents to divide the leave period, stating such changes must be decided by Congress. Additionally, the Attorney General's Office (AGU) intends to guide the National Institute of Social Security (INSS) to ensure the full 180-day period becomes mandatory. Building on these ~~labor~~ protections, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is reviewing Bill ~~2307/26. Authored~~ 2307/26, authored by Deputy Denise ~~Pessôa, the~~ Pessôa. The proposal seeks to amend the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT) to include maternity as a protected category against discriminatory ~~practices.~~ practices and establish reintegration programs for employees returning from leave. These programs would require companies with 20 or more employees to implement welcoming measures, such as alignment interviews, to prevent dismissals. Furthering these protections, the National Council of the Public Ministry (CNMP) issued an injunction ensuring that maternity, paternity, and adoption leaves are counted as effective service during the probationary period for public prosecutors.

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