Regulatory solutions regarding disinformation in electoral contexts in Latin America

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze the regulatory solutions proposed in Latin America in response to the phenomenon of digital disinformation, especially in electoral contexts. Almost all countries in this region, during the period from 2021 to 2024, are undergoing electoral processes, which are affected in their legitimacy by the popularization of digital platforms and, consequently, by the spread of false content. The adopted methodology follows a transnational comparative approach, along with transdisciplinary investigations, to understand the normative trends, progress already achieved, as well as the challenges present in the Latin American region concerning the fight against disinformation, focusing on nine countries with the most significant volume of normative deliberation. The results shows that, in the region, regulatory solutions are still at an early stage, mainly due to challenges such as the complexity of technical concepts, the excessive tendency toward criminalization, and political polarization. Furthermore, as relevant measures to overcome some of these obstacles, greater integration among Latin American countries is suggested, as well as cooperation between states and digital platforms.