Trump-era official accuses Brazil of censorship over X algorithm change

Sarah B. Rogers, a U.S. State Department official, labeled Brazil's electoral rule that prompted X (formerly Twitter) to change its recommendation algorithm as "censorship imposed by Brazil." The platform modified its system to comply with Brazilian electoral law, introducing a filter that stops recommending posts from official candidate accounts to users who do not follow them.

Rogers stated on Sunday that this algorithmic transparency explicitly reveals "censorship imposed by Brazil." X confirmed it implemented a "Brazil2026ElectionFilter" for its "For You" feed. This mechanism ensures that posts from official candidate accounts, as reported to the Electoral Justice, are not recommended to non-followers. The measure does not suspend accounts or remove posts, which remain accessible on the candidates' profiles.

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This type of algorithmic transparency is exactly what many regulators say they want. It also makes explicit the censorship imposed by Brazil.

The platform cited TSE Resolution No. 23.610/2019, which mandates the exclusion of official candidate profiles and their content from recommendation systems, unless paid promotion is involved. X asserted that this change, made in "strict compliance" with the resolution, will affect the visibility and reach of candidates' profiles and content.

Rogers's statement adds to a series of disputes between the Trump administration and the Lula government. Recent tensions include U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods, visa restrictions for Brazil's ambassador, and increased criticism of the Brazilian government's decisions. The U.S. has repeatedly criticized Brazil's regulations on digital platforms and freedom of expression.

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strict compliance