Brazil Toughens Laws on Child Sexual Crimes Online

What does the new Brazilian child safety law change?

Law No. 15,487, which came into force on August 7, 2026, amends the Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA), the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Heinous Crimes Act and the Organized Crime Law to toughen penalties for sexual crimes against minors online.

Are police now allowed to patrol the internet without a warrant?

Yes. The law authorizes security agencies to conduct virtual patrols in public digital spaces to identify and collect illegal files without prior judicial authorization. It also strengthens the use of undercover officers operating online to investigate crimes.

How does the law deal with artificial intelligence?

For the first time, Brazilian legislation explicitly covers AI-generated content. Heavier sentences now apply to anyone who uses deepfakes, filters or other image- and voice-altering tools to impersonate minors and groom victims. The law also increases penalties for criminals who use digital anonymization mechanisms — such as hiding or falsifying IP addresses — to evade identification by authorities.

What counts as illegal material under the new definition?

The definition of child sexual abuse material has been expanded to include real or fictional representations produced, manipulated or generated by artificial intelligence that carry sexual connotation. Production, distribution, possession and grooming linked to such material are now classified as heinous crimes.

What support are victims guaranteed?

Victims and witnesses are entitled to specialized, continuous and comprehensive psychological and psychosocial care. The SUS (public health system) must provide services in a private, protected environment. The perpetrator is required to fully reimburse all treatment costs, including services provided by the SUS.