Moraes launches investigation against Google and Telegram executives

Federal Supreme Court (STF) Minister Alexandre de Moraes has authorized an investigation into the actions of Google and Telegram leaders against Bill 2.630/2020 of this Friday (12).

The move comes after Speaker of the House of Representatives Arthur Lira (PP-AL) activated the Office of the Attorney General (PGR). Lira argues that parent companies will overload the legislature’s systems by pushing against the bill.

The judge gave the Federal Police (PF) an initial period of 60 days to complete the investigation. Also, Moraes, the agency’s protect and examine campaign messages, identify those investigated, and call for testimony.

Campaign against Fake News PL

Google paid BRL 470,000 in early May to increase messages against Fake News PL on Facebook and Instagram. The action targeted opinion leaders, including business owners, judges, councilors and civil servants. Also, the company would encourage the search for “PL da Censura” among other actions.

A week later, Telegram sent a message to users in Brazil, claiming the bill was an “attack on democracy”, giving the federal government “censorship powers”. The measure has been criticized by other companies responsible for social networks, such as Google and Meta, which are also against PL.

In both cases, Moraes considered the practice abusive and decided to suspend the distribution of messages through the precautionary measure and to fine them for non-compliance.