A responsabilidade dos influenciadores digitais no processo eleitoral e os limites da liberdade de expressão

Abstract

The revolution in information dynamics has serious repercussions for the preservation of various democracies. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the effects of political discourse by digital influencers, taking into account their impact on democracy and the integrity of the electoral process, in light of the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. The analysis begins with a study of the legal norms that protect this fundamental right, as well as the rules for electoral propaganda in the digital environment, including the main political marketing strategies used in contemporary electoral campaigns. Next, the investigation addresses the role of influencers in the electoral context and highlights the impact of their communication on the behavior of the electorate, as well as the legal and ethical limits of their activities. Habermas' theory of mass democracy serves as a theoretical reference for understanding the scope of digital influence in public debate. The methodology applied is qualitative and explanatory in nature and is based on the analysis of specialized literature, the jurisprudence of the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), and literature on political communication, democracy, and electoral law.