Disinformation, freedom of expression and the quality of democracy in Brazil

communication, society and the State in polarized times

Abstract

The article examines the phenomenon of disinformation and its impact on the making of citizenship (civil, political and social), particularly with regard to free speech. In theoretical-methodological terms, the text adheres to studies and research on the quality of democracy, especially in its Liberty dimension. The analytical approach developed by Italian political scientist Leonardo Morlino is of great value and influence in our research. Thus, in the context of a process of democratic recomposition in Brazil, disinformation, especially that spread on social networks by the so-called “digital militias”, generated a high and growing disturbance and concern in the political-social agenda. It is confirmed that disinformation strategies are a threat to the democratic-representative regime. Consequently, it needs to be contained, defeated and combated through different legal instruments and resources, as well as through an emerging republican regulation.