Jair Bolsonaro's defense team filed a petition Wednesday stating the former president did not authorize an AI-generated video shown at a PL convention [1].
The filing seeks to distance Bolsonaro from potential legal repercussions surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigning. As Brazil's judiciary scrutinizes the use of synthetic media, the authorization of such content could determine whether the former president faces sanctions for misleading the public.
The petition was submitted to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in Brasília on the 29th [1]. The legal team said Bolsonaro was unaware of the video's existence and did not approve its display during the event [2]. The video was presented by the PL campaign, which is associated with Flávio Bolsonaro [2].
By filing this petition, the defense team aims to clarify that the former president had no role in the production, or dissemination, of the AI content [2]. The move is a strategic effort to isolate Bolsonaro from any alleged wrongdoing associated with the campaign's digital tactics — a move that underscores the growing tension between political parties and the STF over digital disinformation.
The STF has previously taken a hard line against the use of deepfakes and AI-manipulated content in electoral contexts. The court's decision on this matter will likely hinge on whether the campaign acted independently or under the direction of the party's most prominent figure [1].
“Bolsonaro's defense team filed a petition Wednesday stating the former president did not authorize an AI-generated video”
This legal maneuver highlights the precarious nature of AI adoption in Brazilian politics. By denying authorization, Bolsonaro's team is attempting to create a legal firewall between the former president and the campaign's technical operations, potentially shifting liability toward the campaign managers or the PL party structure itself.
