No, using fake names on social media in Brazil violates the Marco Civil da Internet (Law No. 12.965/2014) and the Consumer Defense Code (Law No. 8.078/1990), risking fines up to R$10 million under ANPD’s 2026 enforcement guidelines.
Key Regulations for Using Fake Names on Social Media in Brazil
- Marco Civil da Internet (Law No. 12.965/2014): Mandates real-name disclosure to internet application providers (Article 11), with exceptions only for artistic or journalistic purposes, subject to judicial validation.
- ANPD’s 2026 Enforcement Priorities: The National Data Protection Authority will penalize non-compliance with administrative fines up to 2% of a company’s revenue, targeting platforms failing to verify user identities.
- Consumer Defense Code (Article 43): Prohibits deceptive practices; fake profiles may constitute unfair competition or fraud under PROCON’s oversight, with cease-and-desist orders enforceable by state prosecutors.
Social media platforms must retain user registration data for six years (Article 10, Marco Civil), enabling traceability for authorities investigating illicit activities. Exceptions exist for whistleblowers or victims of digital harassment, but these require formal legal justification. Non-compliance exposes individuals to civil liability and criminal charges under Brazil’s Penal Code (Article 307 for false identity).