Brazilian Congress Creates “Fake News” Inquiry Committee and Elects Chairman

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Joint Congressional Inquiry Committee (CPMI) that is to investigate the spreading of false news – known as the Fake News CPMI – was formed yesterday, September 4th, and will have Senator Angelo Coronel as its chairman.

According to the senator, the committee will take on the significant task of providing solutions to society for the wave of false news on social media, which affect countless families.

“We need to put a stop to this and find out which are the focal points of this fake news industry that is undermining Brazilian democracy and that, oftentimes, blemishes someone who does not deserve to be disgraced, so to speak”, said Angelo Coronel.

Composed of 15 senators and 15 deputies, plus substitutes, the committee will have 180 days to investigate the creation of false profiles to influence last year’s elections and the cyberattacks on democracy and public debate. The CPMI will likewise target the practice of cyber-bullying against vulnerable officials and citizens and the enticement of children to commit hate crimes and suicide.

Related coverage: Brazilian Bankruptcy Petitions Climb in August over July, but Show Year-to-date Decline · Brazil Senate Ensures Rio State to Receive R.5 Billion in Pre-Salt Auction Proceeds · "The Country is Being Torn Apart by a Government of Traitors," Lula Letter on Website · Chilean President Deplores Bolsonaro's Words on Bachelet's Father

More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.

Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief · Editorial standards · Report an error