On Tuesday, under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Brazilian government is poised to sign important decrees that will regulate the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (ECA Digital). This statute, which was sanctioned in September last year, requires social media platforms to implement measures that prevent children and adolescents from accessing harmful content, including sexual exploitation, violence, mental health risks, pornography, and promotion of alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. The decrees aim to solidify the framework for these protections.

The planned decrees include the regulation of the ECA Digital which will provide more detailed rules and responsibilities for platforms. Additionally, a center at the Federal Police will be established to handle reports of potential crimes against children and adolescents arising from these online platforms. Furthermore, adjustments to the structure of the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) are also on the agenda, reflecting a comprehensive approach to safeguarding minors in the digital space.

One of the key provisions expected in the new regulations is the prohibition of 'manipulative practices' on accounts belonging to children and adolescents on social media. This includes banning practices such as infinite scrolling, which could encourage prolonged engagement with content that may not be suitable for younger audiences. These measures are part of a broader effort by the Brazilian government to enhance child protection in the digital landscape and reinforce the responsibilities of online platforms in ensuring the safety of their youngest users.