Debate about big techs became FlaxFlu in Congress, says deputy

Federal deputy Adriana Ventura (Novo-SP) stated that the debate regarding new rules for digital platforms, the so-called big techs, "turned into FlaxFlu" in the National Congress. The statement was made in an interview with CNN Novo Dia this Wednesday (3).

Adriana's statements came after opposition congressmen filed at least 24 PDLs (Project Decree of Law) to try to overturn two decrees, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), with new rules for the activities of big techs in Brazil.

For Adriana, however, the quality of the legislative debate fell. "The legislative procedure is very compromised. So, a debate that should have taken place without too much inflammation, but in a considered, balanced and factual manner, has unfortunately turned into a FlaxFlu on one side and the other", said the deputy.

The parliamentarian still understands that the National Congress is not mature to discuss the topic of big techs. "It's enough to see that two decrees came and some seals were signed by monocratic pens", he pointed out.

The opposition understands that government decrees could put citizens' freedom of expression at risk, if platforms remove content that could "create problems", such as criticism of public policies and corruption, for example.

"We need to preserve the separation of powers: it is not the Executive that has to define what would be defined by law, it is the Legislative; it is not the Federal Supreme Court that has to legislate something that Congress has not legislated, because it is not mature to legislate, because there is no climate to legislate", he added.

Opposition reaction to the decrees
The most sensitive decree for congressmen is 12,975, which updates the Marco Civil da Internet. The government determined that the ANPD (National Data Protection Authority) becomes responsible for managing the operations of big techs in the country, monitoring and notifying possible infractions.

The idea is for platforms to create mechanisms to act quickly in the event of the dissemination of content that incites or articulates terrorism, aiding suicide or self-mutilation, discrimination based on race, color, ethnicity, religion, crimes against women, sexual violence and human trafficking.

One of the changes requires companies that sell advertisements to archive data for possible liability and compensation for damages to victims in case of violation of laws.

When there are violations in paid advertising content, companies can be held responsible for failures to prevent fraud, scams and crimes. If these are not boosted posts, content may be removed after notification.

The other decree, 12,976, establishes guidelines for the protection of women on the internet to combat violence in the digital environment.

With the changes, it was determined that a permanent and easily accessible channel be created for users to report the disclosure of intimate content without consent. The expected punishment is the removal of the material within two hours after notification.

Prohibiting the use of AI to produce intimate images of women also becomes part of the scope of preventive measures required from platforms.

The PDLs, however, still need to be approved in both Houses. Unlike a conventional project, they do not undergo presidential sanction, precisely because they have the power to suspend the Executive's decision.

Of the signed projects, 17 are from deputies from the PL, 2 from the Novo, 3 from the Union and 2 from the Republicans.

Civil milestone for the internet: understand the new regulations for big techs | LIVE CNN

Source: CNN