In a concerning trend for digital security, complaints related to the improper use and sharing of personal and financial data in São Paulo have skyrocketed, with over 8,500 cases reported in 2025. This surge raises alarms regarding the need for enhanced measures to protect sensitive information amidst increasing digital threats. Notably, several inland cities, such as Presidente Prudente, São José do Rio Preto, Bauru, Itapetininga, and Sorocaba, collectively accounted for nearly 2,000 complaints within the same year.

A report compiled by TV TEM and based on data from the platform Consumidor.gov.br highlights a dramatic rise in complaints, particularly in Presidente Prudente where reports grew from 29 in 2024 to 207 in 2025, marking an alarming increase of over 700%. This uptick in reports reflects a broader trend observed across multiple cities, including Bauru, São José do Rio Preto, Sorocaba, and Itapetininga, where similar exponential growth has been noted from 2024 to 2025. Preliminary data from the early months of 2026 suggest that this disturbing trend is continuing, prompting calls for greater consumer awareness and protective measures against data breaches.

The reporting underscores the critical role of platforms like Consumidor.gov.br, which facilitate direct communication between consumers and businesses, aiming to resolve conflicts more efficiently. The influx of complaints signals not only a growing concern among the population regarding data privacy but also a pressing need for businesses to implement robust data protection strategies and comply with regulatory standards to safeguard consumer information effectively. In this context, educating the public on best practices for data protection becomes essential to mitigate the impacts of this rising issue.