Prosecutor General Warns of Deepfakes and Faction Interference in 2026 Elections

Prosecutor General Paulo Gonet has vowed an immediate response to the misuse of deepfakes and the interference of criminal factions in Brazil's upcoming 2026 elections. Gonet stated that both the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) and the Prosecutor General's Office (PGR) are vigilant against these threats.

He recognized the growing difficulty in differentiating malicious AI-generated content, such as manipulated videos and audio, from authentic productions. This technological challenge poses a significant hurdle for electoral integrity. Gonet also highlighted the risk of powerful criminal factions and militias obstructing candidates from campaigning in areas they control, asserting that "the Brazilian state cannot coexist with parallel states, established and directed by criminal organizations."

Gonet commented on the recent classification of Brazilian factions as terrorist organizations by the U.S. government. While he believes this U.S. decision could negatively impact Brazil's international image, he also sees a potential positive effect in encouraging greater unity among Brazilian public bodies to combat organized crime.

Addressing concerns about political pressure on the PGR during election years, Gonet emphasized the institution's independence, stating it operates according to legal principles rather than media timelines. He also voiced criticism regarding the increasing trend of judicializing everyday conflicts in Brazil, suggesting that the Supreme Court (STF) has become an overused venue for resolving disputes that could be handled elsewhere, effectively acting as a "third chamber of Congress."

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O TSE [Tribunal Superior Eleitoral] está atento a isso e a Procuradoria Geral também