Fake News e sistema democrático brasileiro: uma análise sobre o impacto nas eleições presidenciais de 2018

Abstract

The internet has opened up a new path for political marketing. Therefore, the spread of fake news permeated the democratic system in a way never imagined before. This paper aims to examine the impact fake news on the democratic system with an emphasis on the 2018 presidential election. In order to do so, this paper will initially analyze elements of the democratic system, such as the concept of democracy, freedom of expression, the electoral system and the internet as a new element. Futhermore, it will examine how the legal system and institutions are dealing with this question: international law, the Brazilian law system, extrajudicial actions of the Superior Electoral Court and self-regulation of digital platforms. Finally, it will analyze the impact of fake news on the Brazilian democratic system, emphasizing what happened during the 2018 presidential election and its legal consequences. It concludes that there is a need for public debate on the issue, investment in technology, encouragement of fact-checking and verification agencies and media education.