The Superior Electoral Court (TSE) of Brazil has established new regulations governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in electoral advertising for the 2026 elections. This decision, made on Tuesday, underscores the TSE's commitment to combat misinformation and the illicit use of AI technologies in political campaigns. Under the new rules, platforms that detect irregular electoral content or receive notifications from users will be required to act promptly to halt the promotion and accessibility of such content, reflecting the court's proactive stance against misinformation.

A key provision in the TSE's regulations prohibits the dissemination of any newly AI-generated content that alters a candidate's image or voice during a critical timeframe around the election, specifically 72 hours before and 24 hours after voting takes place. This restriction applies even to material created by the candidates' own campaigns, aiming to ensure a fair electoral process and prevent any undue manipulation of public perception via AI technologies. Additionally, AI tools are not permitted to suggest candidates to voters, further emphasizing the court's efforts to preserve electoral integrity.

These regulations represent a significant step in addressing the challenges posed by advancements in AI within the political sphere. By enforcing strict guidelines, the TSE seeks to mitigate the risks of deepfake technologies and other AI-driven manipulations that could mislead voters. The ruling indicates a broader recognition of the potential consequences of AI in elections and the necessity of establishing ethical boundaries to protect democratic processes in Brazil.