Fake news, popularly known as fake news, These are not exactly a novelty of our time. They have existed for a long time, but it is undeniable that their dissemination has been gaining strength through digital media. Over time, legislation has also been adapting to deal with the harm caused by them.
The spread of fake news can severely harm a person or company. And in Brazil, laws such as the Carolina Dieckmann Law and the Marco Civil da Internet (Brazilian Internet Bill of Rights) protect against libel, defamation, and slander. These laws ensure the right to inviolability of privacy and private life in the digital realm.
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has brought consequences for those who were not in conformity Regarding the protection of personal data, its approval led other countries to develop their own laws and regulations, such as the CCPA in California and the LGPD here in Brazil. However, how could the personal data protection law help in combating... fake news?
The application.
With specific laws regarding the protection of personal and sensitive data, the improper use of this data can lead to... serious consequences for offenders. The disclosure of fake news The responsibility for disseminating information no longer rests solely with its author. The media outlet that relays it can also be held accountable.
Data protection ensures the security of an individual's data, and the responsibility for its handling lies with the person who possesses it. Therefore, if a party involved in the dissemination of information possesses personal information of third parties, regardless of the type of information, they are responsible for its processing and storage. The disclosure of this data can only be done with prior authorization from the party concerned. its holder.
On social media.
The spread of fake news becomes more effective on social media, with the possibility of targeting it to the audience where it will have the greatest impact. Limiting access to information that allows for the personalized segmentation of this news, such as political beliefs, age, location, and gender, would make it possible to reduce this impact.
Data protection laws can offer users greater control over their personal data, allowing them to verify stored data and opt for its complete deletion.
An ally.
Upon having your effective date Once again modified, this time bringing the LGPD (Brazilian General Data Protection Law) back to August 14, 2020, it was used as an argument against fake news. Davi Alcolumbre (DEM-AP), president of the Senate, stated that it would be the "main legislation in the prevention and combat of criminal attacks promoted by..." fake news in the country."
Despite his opinion having generated opposing arguments regarding the use of the LGPD against the fake newsIt is undeniable that data protection laws offer users a choice about how their data is used. There are limits to their impact, but we know that fake news and the misinformation it causes will not simply go away. Strengthening data protection can be a powerful ally.
