An artificial intelligence-generated video simulating a statement from former President Jair Bolsonaro was exhibited during the national convention of the Liberal Party (PL), sparking an expected debate in the Electoral Justice system regarding technology limits for the 2026 elections, according to sources heard by CNN. The event, which took place on Saturday, January 25, officially launched Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL-RJ) as a candidate for the presidency of the republic, featuring a digital reproduction of the former president expressing support for his son’s candidacy.
Legal sources state that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) already anticipates challenges stemming from the broadcast. Subsequent analyses by the court will determine how existing regulations governing synthetic media apply specifically to materials shown during party conventions and periods preceding the official start of the campaign season. Official electoral propaganda remains restricted until August 16, though parties and pre-candidates can conduct conventions beforehand provided they adhere strictly to established electoral legislation.
Transparency Rules and Synthetic Media Standards for Political Campaigns
Current electoral norms do not impose a total ban on artificial intelligence. Instead, transparency serves as the primary regulatory requirement. Whenever campaign materials utilize synthetic content—created or significantly altered by artificial intelligence or equivalent technology—the responsible party must explicitly, prominently, and accessibly inform viewers that the material was manufactured or manipulated, while also indicating the technology employed.
This disclosure mandate applies universally across text, images, videos, and audio, covering any alterations designed to create, substitute, omit, merge, or overlay sights and sounds. However, mere labeling does not automatically regularize a piece of media. The content must still comply with broader electoral prohibitions, including strict bans on spreading false or severely out-of-context information that might compromise the electoral process or unfairly disadvantage a candidate.
Did You Know? Electoral rules explicitly prohibit artificial intelligence systems from recommending candidates, parties, or campaigns, indicating political preferences, suggesting votes, or artificially favoring or harming candidacies through automated responses.
Strict Deadlines and Platform Liability Near Voting Day
The TSE enforces much stricter limitations during the final stretch of the electoral cycle. Specifically, the publication, republication, and paid boosting of new synthetic content utilizing the image, voice, or manifestation of candidates or public figures is completely banned during the 72 hours preceding the election and the 24 hours following its conclusion. During this sensitive window, the prohibition applies even if the material bears proper artificial intelligence labeling, a measure designed by the tribunal to prevent last-minute manipulation.
Internet providers also face direct regulatory oversight. Providers must swiftly interrupt the boosting, monetization, and access to illicit material upon detecting or being informed of violations. The resolution establishes solidary liability for platforms that fail to immediately remove synthetic content lacking required disclosures or breaching other electoral mandates. Additionally, regulations forbid the creation or alteration of images and videos depicting sex, nudity, or pornography involving candidates, targeting political violence particularly directed at women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What event triggered the upcoming discussion on artificial intelligence rules?
The discussion was triggered by an AI-generated video simulating a statement from former President Jair Bolsonaro, which was shown during the PL national convention on Saturday.
Is artificial intelligence completely banned in political campaigns?
No. AI is permitted provided that the content complies with transparency rules, features explicit and accessible disclosures of the technology used, and respects all other electoral laws.
What are the penalties for internet platforms regarding illicit AI content?
Platforms face solidary liability if they fail to immediately remove unlabelled synthetic media or content that violates electoral prohibitions, and they must halt monetization, boosting, and access upon notification.
How will the Electoral Justice system handle AI-driven political materials as the official campaign period approaches?
Worth a look