Brazil has adopted one of the most comprehensive laws in the world to protect children and teenagers online. Known as the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (ECA Digital), the legislation was signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in September 2025 and came into force in March 2026. The law updates Brazil’s long-standing child protection framework to address risks in today’s digital environment, including social media platforms, online games, and mobile applications.
The regulation applies to all individuals under 18 years old, distinguishing between children (under 12) and adolescents (12–17). It requires technology companies to design online services with the safety and privacy of minors as a priority and to implement stronger safeguards by default. Platforms that may be accessed by young users must also adopt reliable age-verification systems, replacing the previous practice of simple self-declaration of age.
One of the most notable aspects of the law is its focus on addictive platform design. Social media companies are required to limit or redesign features that encourage compulsive use among minors. These include mechanisms such as infinite scrolling, autoplay videos, and recommendation systems that keep users continuously engaged. The aim is to reduce the risk of excessive screen time and digital dependency among children and teenagers.
The law also addresses exposure to harmful or inappropriate content. Platforms must implement measures to prevent minors from accessing online gambling, pornography, and other content considered harmful to their development. Companies are required to quickly remove dangerous material and provide tools that allow parents or guardians to supervise online activity more effectively.
Beyond content restrictions, the Digital ECA strengthens data protection and privacy rights for minors. Technology providers must minimize the collection of children’s data and ensure that the highest privacy settings are applied by default. The legislation also restricts practices such as targeted advertising and profiling based on minors’ personal information.
Supporters say the law represents a major step toward protecting young people in digital spaces and sets a precedent for other countries. By requiring safer platform design and stricter oversight of online content, Brazil aims to create a healthier digital environment for children and adolescents while holding technology companies accountable for the risks their platforms may pose.
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