Brazil: Legislators approve a bill on the protection of minors in digital environments

On August 20, the Chamber of Deputies approved Bill 2628/22, which establishes rules to protect children and adolescents when using apps, social media, video games, and software. Known as the "Digital ECA," the proposal imposes obligations on technology platforms and strengthens the role of parents and guardians in access control.

The text, authored by the Senate, will return to that chamber after being modified by the deputies. According to the rapporteur, Jadyel Alencar (Republicans-PI), the idea is to provide families with effective protection tools without replacing their autonomy. "The solution is inspired by the constitutional model, which opted to guarantee the family means of defense and not replace its role," he stated.

Planned Measures

The law will enter into force one year after its publication. Among its key points:

· Providers must adopt preventive measures from the design of their services;

· Parental mediation mechanisms and reporting channels will be required;

· Obligations will vary depending on each company's ability to moderate content.

Media outlets and licensed content providers will be exempt if they comply with age ratings, parental mediation, and complaint handling rules. The regulation cannot impose mass surveillance or violate rights such as freedom of expression and privacy.

Parliamentary Debate

Representative Sâmia Bomfim (PSOL-SP) described the bill as a "historic milestone" that also holds large technology companies accountable. For Maria do Rosário (PT-RS), the measure extends the comprehensive protections of the Children and Adolescents Statute to the digital sphere.

From the opposition, PL leader Sóstenes Cavalcante (RJ) welcomed the fact that the text eliminated any risk of censorship, a position shared by Bia Kicis (PL-DF). Representative Kim Kataguiri (Union-SP) stated that the rapporteur dismantled a bill that, at its inception, he considered "a censorship law in disguise."

PT leader Lindbergh Farias (RJ) maintained that the opposition backed down from its initial rejection due to pressure from civil society. Meanwhile, Talíria Petrone (PSOL-RJ) emphasized that the regulation also addresses algorithms that promote crimes such as pedophilia.

Consensus and Criticism

The proposal was seen as a rare moment of parliamentary unity. “When we want to, we put our differences aside and the common good prevails,” summarized Otoni de Paula (MDB-RJ).

However, there were also objections. Novo leader Marcel van Hattem (RS) warned that the text still leaves room for the government to regulate the issue as a provisional measure. “In defense of our children, I want to see more action from the police, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Justice Department,” he stated.