Brazil’s federal government is preparing to publish a decree by the end of February that will require digital platforms and app stores to adopt age verification systems, blocking children and teenagers from accessing gambling, betting, pornography, and other content considered inappropriate. The measure implements restrictions approved in 2025 and is tied to a law scheduled to take effect in March.
Under a draft reviewed by Bloomberg, websites and applications that offer or advertise gambling, adult content, escort services, alcoholic beverages, dating apps, and weapons will be required to verify users’ ages. Platforms will not be permitted to rely solely on self-declared age information provided by users.
While the decree is expected before the end of the month, a source close to the discussions said the text could still undergo changes before publication.
The regulation will apply to all digital platforms operating in Brazil. The draft specifies that the government will create an age verification system for use on websites. It also outlines safeguards for data collected during the verification process in response to privacy concerns. According to the draft, the rules will prohibit tracking of identity, browsing history, or records of user requests and verifications.
Brazil’s approach will differ from stricter measures adopted in countries such as Australia, where authorities banned teenagers from using social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. In Brazil, minors under 16 will still be able to maintain profiles, but those accounts must be linked to a legal guardian.
The decree does not yet detail how mandatory age verification will be implemented on apps and websites, nor does it specify the penalties for companies that fail to comply.
The move comes amid an expansion of digital platform regulation in Brazil in recent years, particularly following the January 8, 2023, invasion of government buildings in Brasília. Supporters of former President Bolsonaro vandalized the Three Powers buildings, images of which circulated internationally. In the aftermath, the Lula administration sought to advance new rules governing online platforms.
Legislative efforts have faced resistance in Congress, where right-wing lawmakers have blocked debates on platform regulation, citing concerns about potential censorship. Despite that opposition, the Supreme Federal Court ruled last year in favor of increased oversight of social media companies, holding them responsible for illegal content published on their platforms.
Brazil joins a growing list of jurisdictions evaluating tighter controls on young internet users. Spain recently proposed banning teenagers from social media, and at least ten European countries, along with the European Union, are assessing new restrictions.
Separately, the National Congress is reviewing legislation to regulate artificial intelligence, with possible approval as early as 2026.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2026/02/11/117560-brazil-prepares-nationwide-age-verification-rules-to-restrict-minors-access-to-gambling
