Electoral advertising and disinformation in times of digital democracy

Abstract

This article analyzes the impacts of the digitalization of social relations on contemporary democracy, especially in the context of electoral advertising and the spread of disinformation on social media platforms. Based on the reflections of Byung-Chul Han on “infocracy,” the study demonstrates how algorithms, artificial intelligence, and digital platforms influence the formation of public opinion, fostering the superficiality of political debate, emotional manipulation, and the dissemination of fake news. It also examines the evolution of Brazilian electoral regulation and the jurisprudence of the Tribunal Superior Eleitoral regarding candidates’ liability for the dissemination of disinformation, including mass messaging practices and the use of artificial intelligence. The article concludes that preserving democratic legitimacy requires transparency, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ informational autonomy against new forms of algorithmic power.