Brazil's 1976 Falcon Law silenced electoral ads before the social media era.

Fifty years ago, Brazil's military dictatorship implemented the Falcon Law, a measure that significantly curtailed political advertising. This legislation effectively muzzled campaign communications, restricting them to basic radio and television call-up lists.

The primary objective of the Falcon Law, enacted in 1976, was to stifle the growing influence of the political opposition. By limiting the scope and reach of campaign messaging, the regime sought to maintain control and prevent any significant electoral advances by opposing parties.

This historical context serves as a stark contrast to the modern electoral landscape. The article highlights how the challenges of today's digital age, particularly the pervasive influence of social media, present entirely new and complex hurdles for regulating electoral propaganda, far beyond the limitations imposed by the Falcon Law.