Kássio Nunes Marques, president of the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE), reinforced limits on artificial intelligence use in electoral propaganda for the 2026 elections.
These restrictions aim to protect the integrity of the democratic process by preventing the spread of disinformation and targeted political attacks. As AI tools become more accessible, the court seeks to ensure that technology does not undermine the validity of voter information.
Nunes Marques assumed the presidency of the TSE on May 12, 2026 [1]. Shortly after taking office, he established a dedicated commission on June 12, 2026, to define how the electoral justice system will regulate and utilize artificial intelligence [2].
The court's guidelines state that while AI may be used in campaign messaging, it cannot be employed to launch attacks against political opponents or to disseminate false information [3]. This regulatory push comes as the first round of the 2026 elections is less than six months away [4].
The urgency of these rules is highlighted by a surge in legal challenges. During the period 100 days before the elections, the TSE saw a flood of legal actions regarding AI use and early propaganda [5]. Specifically, at least 135 actions were protocolled in the court related to these issues [5].
Nunes Marques said the exponential use of AI represents a significant challenge for the current electoral cycle. The commission created in June is tasked with refining the framework to handle these technological threats in real time as candidates begin their campaigns in Brasília and across Brazil [2].
“AI cannot be used for political attacks or to spread disinformation”
The TSE's proactive stance reflects a growing global trend among electoral bodies to combat 'deepfakes' and synthetic media. By establishing a formal commission and setting hard limits on disinformation, Brazil is attempting to create a legal deterrent against the weaponization of AI before the 2026 campaign reaches its peak, signaling that the court will prioritize information authenticity over unrestricted technological application in political speech.
