Latest news and stories about social media in legal in Portugal for expats and residents.
The PSD will submit a bill proposing age verification at social media account creation to enforce a ban on under-13s and restrict access for under-16s. The measure, described as sensible and largely inevitable in an editorial, aims to protect children and reduce pressures such as the pursuit of likes, though it raises practical enforcement and privacy concerns about verification methods.
João Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign, which had been gaining momentum, suffered a serious setback after a strategic misstep on second-round strategy and the resurfacing of a harassment allegation on social media. By not ruling out support for Ventura, Cotrim exposed himself to attacks and fractured the narrative of steady progress; the harassment allegation — reportedly known within Iniciativa Liberal for two years — compounded the damage and prompted him to decry ‘low‑level’ and ‘dirty’ politics. The episode shifted the campaign’s focus onto Cotrim personally, energised opponents and risked undoing recent gains as rivals consolidated backing ahead of a possible second round.
Since children under 13 can enter a fake date of birth to access Facebook and Instagram, the European Commission stated that Meta does not have sufficient restriction measures in place.
The presenter did not apologise for her statements on the programme Dois às 10. She only regretted the phrasing of what she claims was a question “to understand the rapist's behaviour”.
The presenter's intervention regarding the case of the four influencers accused of raping a 16-year-old girl has sparked controversy.
The recent intention of the Portuguese Parliament to prohibit free access for those under 16 to social networks and online platforms represents one of the most important (and controversial) public debates in recent times. After countries like France and Spain moved forward with similar ideas, Portugal approved a bill that aims to...
The tool has been a subject of discussion since it was revealed that the Government was paying for a subscription to 'monitor social media and react to controversies'.
The presenter finally spoke about the wave of indignation and complaints caused by her words regarding consent on the show Dois às 10.
At issue is a statement made by the presenter regarding the case of four influencers accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.
The four defendants are accused of the rape of a teenager from Loures and of child pornography. The sharing of the recordings of the events led the victim to change schools and fail the school year.
The influencer has been formally charged by the Public Prosecutor's Office. The defendant did not hold a legal document authorising him to drive the type of vehicle he was operating.
Bernardina posted a video on social media regarding the assault and the role of school assistants in these cases.
More and more countries are considering moving forward with restrictions to protect young people from the dangers of these platforms.
Mark Lanier managed, for the first time in tech history, to convince a court that these companies knew they were creating an addiction that harms mental health. The American, who has already defeated the powerful Walmart and Merck as well as BNSF, the largest freight railroad company in North America, was now instrumental in paving the way for other similar lawsuits.
Social media platforms face legal scrutiny and accountability in court.
Diogo Maia's family members report episodes of vandalism at their home. A lawyer explains that these incidents could raise legal issues regarding incitement to hatred.
A California jury has ordered Meta and Google to pay 3.5 million euros in damages to a young woman who sued the companies, claiming their platforms caused her addiction, anxiety, depression, and body dysmorphia. The plaintiff argued that features like infinite scroll and auto-play were designed to keep users hooked. While the companies denied the allegations, the jury found them negligent for failing to warn users about these risks. This ruling follows a separate 325-million-euro fine against Meta in New Mexico for failing to protect children. These cases highlight growing global concerns over the addictive design of social media, with the European Commission also investigating TikTok for similar violations.
Diogo Maia's family members report episodes of vandalism at their home. A lawyer explains that these incidents could raise legal issues regarding incitement to hatred.
Meta and YouTube have suffered a legal defeat, but the infinite scroll feature is set to remain.
Kaley spent her adolescence on Instagram and YouTube. Now, a court has condemned the platforms for damages to her mental health. And the companies knew it: “Instagram is a drug... We are basically drug dealers.”
Ricardo Domingues, president of the Portuguese Association of Online Betting and Gambling (APAJO), warns that 40% of Portuguese bettors use unregulated platforms promoted by influencers. He highlights that the state is losing hundreds of millions in tax revenue and that these illegal sites, which often target minors and lack responsible gambling protections, operate without legal consequences despite numerous complaints.
Right of reply from José António Carvalho, director of the Afonso de Albuquerque School Group (Guarda), regarding an article published on 1 March 2026 in the print and online editions of PÚBLICO.
Psychologist Catarina Lucas analyses the risks of minors using social media, at a time when Snapchat is being investigated for sexual grooming.
This week we discuss Carneiro's visit to Caracas and Viseu, the Molotov cocktail incident at the March for Life in Lisbon, and the viral nonsense about antidepressants that stirred up social media.
In recent days, social media giants Facebook and YouTube have been convicted in several lawsuits filed by their own users.
The European Commission believes that Snapchat is not doing enough to prevent minors from accessing the social network. Worse still, some of them may be exposed to sexual grooming.
Cette enquête intervient alors que les effets et la responsabilité des plateformes numériques à l’égard des enfants sont de plus en plus scrutés.
A fake video of former banker António Horta Osório is circulating on Facebook, according to a statement from him. The content simulates a CNN news report that never took place, he stresses.
A Los Angeles ruling holds both companies responsible for damages caused to the plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman, and sets an important legal precedent.
A jury voted in favour of 2.5 million euros in compensation for a young user due to mental health issues related to the use of Meta and YouTube platforms. The companies reject the accusations.
