In an article published on Monday (11), the American newspaper The New York Times stated that the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump are making room for US technology giants, calls big techsinfluence the rules and norms that control their platforms in the country.
The report points out that while the measure has not effectively served to release former president Jair Bolsonaro from house arrest, “tariffs appear to be more successful in opening doors for American big techs” in negotiations with Brazilian authorities and even Supreme Court (STF) ministers.
“Amid the application of a rate of 50% on essential Brazilian products, these companies are being received in meetings with Brazilian authorities and ministers of the Federal Supreme Court, while new regulations are prepared on topics ranging from freedom of online expression to artificial intelligence, according to several people with knowledge of the subject,” says the publication.
According to the newspaper, Trump has accused the current Brazilian legislation against social networks of “censoring conservative voices and harming American companies.” The text also reports that Alexandre de Moraes, STF minister and rapporteur of the Bolsonaro case, “ordered social networks to block dozens of parliamentarians and supporters of the former president,” including profiles that questioned the result of the 2022 elections.
O NOW He listed the criticism that Moraes has been receiving for it.
“He arrested people without trial for online threats, blocked press vehicles to publish critical content to politicians and ordered the removal of popular accounts on social networks, refusing to explain how they threatened democracy,” the text quotes.
The story also recalls that after Elon Musk refuses to comply with court orders to remove accounts from X, Moraes blocked the platform in Brazil and threatened to fine users who would circumvent the blockade.
Also according to the newspaper, since Trump sent a letter to Brazil on July 9 threatening new tariffs, at least two technology companies have met with STF ministers in meetings that are not in the public agenda. One day before the effective application of tariffs, Google and Meta also met with Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and US government representatives to deal with regulation and investments.
O NOW He also stated that if Big Techs can influence Brazilian regulation, tariffs “could deliver a significant, though silent victory to the American leader and his allies.”
