President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed two decrees on May 20, 2026 [1], establishing new regulations for big-tech companies operating in Brazil [2].
These measures represent a significant update to the Marco Civil da Internet, the country's primary legal framework for the web. By closing regulatory gaps, the government aims to increase platform accountability, and enhance protections for digital users [3].
The decrees signed on May 20, 2026 [1], expand the obligations of large digital platforms. These rules are designed to ensure that big-tech companies operate with greater transparency and compliance within the Brazilian jurisdiction [2].
Separate from the big-tech decrees, the government also addressed prediction platforms. A rule banning non-financial betting on these platforms took effect on May 4, 2026 [4]. This specific restriction targets betting activities that do not involve monetary transactions, seeking to prevent unregulated gambling-like behavior on prediction sites [4].
Industry observers suggest the measures will force a shift in how global companies manage their Brazilian operations. One unnamed specialist said, "Acredito que as plataformas vão buscar conformidade," which translates to a belief that platforms will seek compliance [3].
The timing of these regulations reflects a broader push by the administration to modernize digital governance. While the betting ban was implemented earlier this month [4], the broader big-tech obligations follow the May 20 decrees [1]. The government said that these steps are necessary to protect the public from the risks associated with unregulated digital services [3].
“President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed two decrees on May 20, 2026”
The Brazilian government is shifting from a permissive digital environment to a more interventionist regulatory stance. By updating the Marco Civil da Internet and banning specific betting activities, Brazil is aligning itself with global trends—similar to the EU's Digital Services Act—that prioritize state oversight and user protection over the self-regulation of big-tech firms.
