The internet has become a central part of the lives of children and adolescents. Social networks, online games, video platforms, and apps are present in the daily lives of millions of young Brazilians. It was in this context that Brazil approved an important update to its legal framework: the The Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents, known as the Digital ECA..

The new legislation comes into effect in March 17, 2026 It establishes clearer rules to protect minors in the digital environment, as well as creating new responsibilities for platforms, technology companies, and the digital ecosystem itself.

In this article, you will understand What changes in practice with the Digital ECA, what are the new obligations, and what else should happen in the coming months with the regulation of the law?.

When does the Digital ECA come into effect?

The new legislation comes into effect. March 17, 2026. This means that Digital platforms should already be preparing for the adaptation., with mechanisms and policies compatible with the requirements of the new standard.

Before the law came into effect, companies and platforms had a deadline to submit initial compliance reports and demonstrate the measures adopted to protect underage users.

What changes with the Digital ECA?

The new law creates clearer obligations for companies that offer digital services potentially accessible to children and adolescents.

The main changes include:

Age verification on marketplaces and delivery apps

Marketplaces and delivery apps that sell products such as alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and erotic items They will now be required to verify the age of users.

This verification must occur at the time of registration or purchase, automatically preventing children and teenagers from accessing products prohibited by law.

Restrictions for betting platforms

Online betting platforms will also have a direct responsibility for protecting minors.

These services should to prevent the registration and access of children and adolescents, adopting more robust age verification mechanisms to ensure that underage users cannot use the platforms.

Rules for pornographic content websites

Providers of pornographic content will be required to implement age verification mechanisms before allowing access to their platforms.

The Digital ECA stipulates that A simple self-declaration of age will not be sufficient., requiring more reliable verification methods.

Furthermore, the platforms should Actively remove accounts identified as belonging to children or teenagers., expanding the responsibility of these companies in moderating users.

Limitations in video games with loot boxes

Video games that use loot boxesMechanisms that offer random rewards based on payment or in-game progression will also be subject to restrictions.

These games should either prevent access by children and teenagers or offer adapted versions that do not include this type of functionality.

Rules for streaming services

Streaming platforms should strengthen child protection mechanisms in their services.

Among the obligations foreseen are compliance with content rating, breeding of specific child profiles, provision of parental supervision tools or mechanisms of Blocking inappropriate content.

Adjustments to search engines

Search services will also take on additional responsibilities.

Search engines should to hide or flag sexually explicit content in the results presented to users under the age of 18.

If the user wishes to access this type of content, the system should Require age verification before granting access..

Who will be responsible for the oversight?

One of the key aspects of the Digital ECA is the definition of institutional responsibilities for oversight.

A National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) It will play a central role in overseeing the application of the law and defining supplementary rules for the protection of minors in the digital environment.

As the authority responsible for enforcing the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law) in Brazil, the ANPD (National Data Protection Authority) already works on defining guidelines and best practices for the processing of minors' data. With the entry into force of the Digital ECA (Statute of Children and Adolescents), it is expected that the agency will also participate in the development of complementary regulations, the oversight of market practices, and the guidance of companies on appropriate protection measures.

This role becomes even more relevant in light of recent institutional changes involving the authority itself.

In addition to transforming it into a regulatory agency, the Conversion Bill that addressed the structure of the ANPD (National Data Protection Authority) creates new positions and functions within the institution, establishes the Data Protection Regulation and Oversight Career, and provides for permanent positions for Data Protection Regulation Specialists. In total, 200 specialist positions will be opened through a public competitive examination.

A structural shift in platform responsibility

By establishing specific obligations for different types of digital services, the ECA Digital reinforces a principle that is increasingly present in technological regulation: The responsibility of platforms in protecting vulnerable users..

This means that companies operating digital services will have a more active role in preventing risks involving children and adolescents, not only reacting to problems, but also structuring protection mechanisms from the design of their products.

Want to learn more about how the Digital ECA impacts, in particular, educational institutions? Click here. here And download our infographic that addresses the topic.