Barroso Clarifies STF's Role in Internet Civil Act Review

Brazil's Supreme Court addresses concerns over the Internet Civil Act. In a recent plenary session, Minister Luis Roberto Barroso addressed concerns that the court's analysis of sections of the Internet Civil Act pertaining to social media company liability could be interpreted as legislative overreach or censorship. "The court has a duty to apply the same criteria to all identical cases that arise," Barroso stated, emphasizing that the court's role is to interpret existing law, not create new legislation. This clarification comes amidst ongoing debates about online content moderation and the responsibilities of tech platforms. The court's examination of these specific clauses is part of a broader effort to ensure consistent application of the law, and Barroso's statement aims to reassure the public that the court's actions are not intended to stifle free speech or overstep its constitutional authority. This decision underscores the importance of a balanced approach to regulating online content, respecting both freedom of expression and the need to address issues of online harm.