Moraes Demands Social Media Regulation to Save Democracy
Speaking at the prestigious Lisbon Forum on Monday, Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) Justice Alexandre de Moraes issued a staunch defense of social media regulation, arguing that digital platforms can no longer operate as a “no-man’s land” if democracy is to survive.
A Call to End Digital Lawlessness
Addressing the opening session at the University of Lisbon’s Aula Magna, Moraes emphasized that any human activity impacting billions of people must be subject to oversight. He framed regulation not as an attack on rights, but as a necessary shield for modern society.
“Just like any means of communication—and since regulation has existed in the world—no economic activity that impacts billions of people has gone unregulated,” Moraes said. “There is a need for regulation that preserves freedom of the press and expression, but also preserves democracy and human dignity.”
The justice drew a sharp line between legitimate speech and what he described as a “cowardly” misuse of the internet. He denounced the use of pseudonyms and false profiles to incite self-harm among youth, spread hate speech, or promote Nazi and fascist ideologies. He warned that “pseudo-freedom of expression” is frequently weaponized to dismantle the very democratic institutions that protect it.
The High-Stakes Battle Over Information
The Justice’s comments carry significant weight following his highly publicized clash with tech mogul Elon Musk in 2024. Moraes previously ordered a 40-day block of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil after the company ignored judicial orders aimed at curbing disinformation. While Musk initially labeled Moraes a “dictator,” the platform eventually complied with the court’s demands to resume operations in the country.
The regulatory debate has also sparked international friction. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump cited the Brazilian judiciary’s actions against American tech firms as a justification for imposing tariffs, characterizing the court orders as “illegal censorship.”
The Largest Lisbon Forum to Date
Moraes’ remarks kicked off the 14th edition of the Lisbon Forum, which organizers are calling the largest in the event’s history. Over 470 speakers and 70 panels will address the theme “New International Order, Technology, and Sovereignty: Democratic, Economic, and Social Challenges.”
The three-day event, organized by Justice Gilmar Mendes, has drawn a high-profile international delegation. Attendees include Brazilian Central Bank President Gabriel Galípolo, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman, former Colombian President Ivan Duque, and various high-ranking judicial officials from Germany, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.
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