Panel SA: Fake news project creates risk for small businesses, says group

The IAB Brasil, an association that represents companies in the digital advertising market, says the fake news bill being debated in the Chamber of Deputies puts small business businesses at risk by curbing the use of instant messaging applications for mass shooting.

In order to combat misinformation on the internet, the project recommends that services such as WhatsApp restrict the possibility of spreading messages on a large scale and prohibit the sale of computer programs and other technologies used to promote shootings on the platforms.

Companies that use WhatsApp to leverage their sales would be affected, says IAB Brasil. A survey carried out by Sebrae (Brazilian Support Service for Micro and Small Businesses) in 2018 indicated the platform as the main internet sales channel for 39% of companies.

Last week, the IAB Brazil began gathering support for a petition against the bill, approved by a working group that made several changes to a text approved by the Senate a year ago. The new proposal was submitted to a vote in the plenary of the Chamber, which should only take place in 2022.

With Ricardo Balthazar (interim), Andressa Motter e Ana Paula Branco.