Brazil's Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) released a guide on July 2, 2026, outlining the permitted and prohibited uses of artificial intelligence in election campaigns [1].
These regulations aim to prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure a fair electoral process. As AI tools become more accessible, the risk of deceptive content targeting voters has increased, making clear legal boundaries necessary for candidates.
The guidelines come as the country prepares for the official start of the election campaign on Aug. 16, 2026 [1]. The TSE's effort to regulate generative technology follows a precedent from the 2024 municipal elections, where the court applied five specific rules regarding AI usage [2].
Minister Kássio Nunes Marques assumed the presidency of the TSE on May 12, 2026, taking office with the specific challenge of managing AI's role in the democratic process [3]. Under his leadership, the court established a permanent commission to provide ongoing orientation on how these technologies should be deployed during the race.
There is some variation in how the rules are described. Some reports said the TSE has prohibited certain types of AI-generated content [1]. However, other findings said the court did not prohibit AI entirely—instead, the resolutions restrict the use of misleading content [4].
The guide serves as a roadmap for presidential and legislative candidates to adapt their digital strategies. By defining what constitutes a violation, the TSE intends to curb the creation of deepfakes, and other synthetic media that could mislead the electorate before they head to the polls.
“The TSE released a guide outlining the permitted and prohibited uses of artificial intelligence.”
The TSE's proactive approach signals a shift toward treating synthetic media as a primary threat to electoral integrity. By establishing these rules before the August campaign launch, Brazil is attempting to create a legal framework that balances technological innovation with the need to protect voters from sophisticated digital deception.
