Strengthening Bilateral Ties

In a pivotal 30-minute conversation, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and French President Emmanuel Macron delved into pressing bilateral and global issues, with a particular focus on digital sovereignty and the fight against disinformation.

Unified Stance Against Misinformation

Both leaders expressed their concerns over Meta's recent decision to reduce fact-checking on its platforms. They emphasized that while freedom of expression is paramount, it should not serve as a conduit for spreading falsehoods, prejudice, and offenses. The dialogue underscored the necessity for collaborative efforts between Brazil and Europe to thwart the spread of 'fake news' and protect democracy and fundamental rights.

Invitation to France

Macron extended an invitation to Lula for a state visit to France in June, coinciding with the UN Conference on Oceans, signaling a deepening of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Brazil's Proactive Measures

In a related development, the Brazilian government announced its intention to formally seek clarification from Meta regarding the implications of its recent policy changes within a 72-hour window. This action comes in the wake of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's announcement to replace traditional fact-checkers with a 'community notes' system, drawing parallels to Elon Musk's X Corp approach.