Meta Ordered to Prove Neutrality in Brazilian Presidential Race

One week before the second round of Brazil's presidential election, the electoral court ordered Meta to prove within 24 hours its equal treatment of the campaigns of Lula and Bolsonaro. The company, owner of Facebook and Instagram, finds itself at the center of a trust crisis following accusations of bias in content moderation. The decision, made by the Electoral Tribunal, aims to ensure a fair game of social media in a tense context where disinformation could influence the vote. The announcement comes as the two candidates, Lula and Bolsonaro, face a critical moment. The platform, which holds immense power over the spread of political messages, must now present tangible proof of its impartiality. The goal is to ensure that the campaigns of Lula and Bolsonaro benefit from an equal space, without discrimination or favoritism. However, the question of social media neutrality remains complex, particularly due to content moderation and removal policies. Observers fear that state pressure could harm freedom of expression, a crucial issue in a country where media are frequently targeted. This decision raises fundamental questions about the role of tech giants in democracies. Meta, which has over 1.3 billion users, now faces growing responsibility in governing the networks. The Brazilian judiciary, by demanding proof of neutrality, highlights the challenge of balancing freedom of expression and regulation. Looking ahead, in a context where social media manipulation could change the course of elections. ⚡ Key points ▸ Observers fear that state pressure could harm freedom of expression, a crucial issue in a country where media are frequently targeted. ▸ Meta, which has over 1.3 billion users, is now facing growing responsibility in governing the networks.