Brazil Senate Panel Backs PEC Shielding Media From Liability for Interviewees’ Claims

Overview

• The Senate Constitution and Justice Committee, which approved the proposal Wednesday, advanced it to the plenary for two required votes before possible review by the Chamber of Deputies.
• The text says a news outlet is not civilly liable when, without stating an opinion, it airs an interview in which the guest attributes an illicit act to a specific person.
• Senator Rogério Marinho filed the amendment in December 2023 after the Supreme Federal Court allowed damages when outlets publish interviews that falsely impute crimes.
• In 2025 the Court limited liability to proven bad faith or clear negligence, while the PEC writes a broader shield into the Constitution that could cut civil recourse for people falsely accused in interviews.
• The committee rejected two changes, one from Marcos Rogério on internet provider rules and prior censorship as a crime and another from Hamilton Mourão on jurisdiction by prerogative of function, keeping the proposal narrowly focused.