Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced that a proposal to regulate social media platforms in the country is ready and will be sent to Congress. Speaking in an interview with BandNews, Lula said the draft will be on his desk by Wednesday afternoon, enabling the government to move it forward for legislative consideration. The proposed regulation comes amid growing debates in Brazil over online misinformation, hate speech, and the influence of digital platforms on public discourse.
The announcement coincided with rising tensions between Brazil and the United States following a recent move by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose 50% tariffs on Brazilian goods. Trump linked the decision to what he described as a “witch hunt” against former President Jair Bolsonaro and to alleged “unfair trade practices” by Brazil, particularly targeting U.S. companies’ digital trade interests. Lula, however, struck a conciliatory tone, expressing hope to meet Trump in the future for a civilized discussion between two heads of state.
The Brazilian leader revealed that he has sent a formal invitation to Trump to attend the COP30 global climate summit, which Brazil will host later this year. Lula has positioned COP30 as a key diplomatic event for Brazil’s climate leadership and a platform for fostering international cooperation on environmental policies. His outreach to Trump signals a willingness to bridge political divides despite recent trade tensions.
Lula said he plans to engage with international partners next week, including leaders from France, Germany, and the European Union, to advance ongoing negotiations between the EU and South America’s Mercosur bloc. The trade agreement, long in the works, has faced delays over environmental and market access concerns, but Lula has signaled his commitment to finalizing a deal that balances economic growth with environmental protections.