Meta Platforms Inc. has been barred by Brazil's electoral court from disrupting Lula da Silva’s campaign content after accusations of systematic suppression— a move that could tilt the final tally in the tied runoff.
The order, issued on October 16, 2024, follows a complaint that Meta repeatedly blocked Lula’s posts and limited his reach on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Court officials say the platform’s algorithms were used to unevenly promote competitor content.
Meta’s Brazilian spokesperson rejected the claim, describing the incidents as isolated technical glitches and insisting the company treats all candidates equally. Yet the spokesperson added that the firm would cooperate with the court.
U.S. lawmakers, led by Senator Bernie Sanders, sent a letter to Mark Zuckerberg warning that credible reports of content restriction could invite congressional scrutiny. In São Paulo, Lula supporters staged protests outside Meta’s headquarters, chanting slogans that echoed the president’s own accusations.
Digital Democracy Institute founder Roberta Braga warned that even brief disruptions at key moments could derail voter mobilization. Braga noted that, while the impact on the final result remains uncertain, the presence of Meta’s services in 90% of Brazilian households gives the platform unprecedented influence.
A judge has now called on Meta and X to present full technical explanations before the September 9 runoff, setting a tight deadline for the platforms to demonstrate compliance. The court will review these submissions and decide whether further restrictions are warranted.