Empire of Lies and Aggression, says Dino about Telegram’s Action

Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flávio Dino (PSB-MA), has announced that measures will be taken against the action taken by Telegram. He referred to the app as an “empire of lies and aggression.”

In messages forwarded by Telegram, the app states that the PL das Fake News “will end freedom of expression” and urges social media users to pressure their federal deputies to vote against the bill.

“The Brazil is about to approve a law that will end freedom of expression. PL 2630/2020 gives the government powers of censorship without prior judicial supervision. For fundamental human rights, this bill is one of the most dangerous legislations ever considered in Brazil,” reads a section of the message sent by Telegram.

Moreover, the government alleges that the platform’s message highlights excerpts taken out of context about the bill.

Dino at the Senate Minister Dino participated in a Senate committee on Tuesday and discussed the importance of voting on the PL das Fake News, which aims to create regulatory framework on the internet.

“The government is monitoring, the government advocates for democratic regulation because it is the way to preserve freedom of expression. What certain sectors want to do is censorship because they want to prevent Congress from deliberating, and it is important that Congress, like other powers, can and should act,” said Flávio Dino.

Last week, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira (PP-AL), postponed the vote on the PL das Fake News after a request from the text’s rapporteur, Deputy Orlando Silva (PCdoB-SP), an ally of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The government’s base failed to secure the necessary votes for the bill’s approval in the House.