Why this happens

Open source deepfake tools require only a single clear facial photograph to produce convincing synthetic intimate content. Any public photo on social media or LinkedIn can be the source.

Targeted deepfake attacks frequently begin in private Telegram or Discord communities and spread to public sites within days. Early detection through biometric scanning is the only reliable way to find every copy.

Legal framework in Brazil

Lei nº 13.718/2018 (crimes against sexual dignity) inserting article 218-C into the Código Penal, plus Marco Civil da Internet (Lei nº 12.965/2014) article 21. From 1 to 5 years imprisonment under article 218-C. Aggravated where committed by a current or former intimate partner.

Brazil pairs the 2018 criminal reform with the unique Marco Civil article 21, which makes platforms directly liable in damages for failure to remove non consensual intimate content following notification. This is one of the few legal frameworks in the world to impose direct platform damages liability for inaction.

Evidence to preserve

Do not: Do not amplify the content by responding publicly. Engagement increases visibility and may also be used by the perpetrator to claim consent or interaction.

Five step removal process

  1. 1

    Preserve all evidence first

    Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content.

  2. 2

    File the Lei nº 13.718/2018 plus Marco Civil article 21 criminal complaint

    Report to local police or the national cybercrime unit. SaferNet Brasil can assist.

  3. 3

    Submit an erasure request under LGPD (Lei nº 13.709/2018) right to deletion under article 18

    Each major platform has a designated data protection contact. The request must cite the legal basis and identify the URLs. The platform has 30 days to respond. ANPD accepts complaints for non compliance.

  4. 4

    Run a biometric scan to find every additional copy

    Content posted to one platform is rarely confined to one platform. ScanErase identifies every current hosting location in a single scan, including mirror copies and AI generated variants.

  5. 5

    File TAKE IT DOWN Act notices for covered platforms

    Use your scan report to file the federal 48 hour notice yourself, in parallel with your domestic rights. The two regimes are cumulative, not exclusive.

Statutory citations to include in your complaint

Frequently asked questions

Is deepfake of me a crime in Brazil?

Yes. Lei nº 13.718/2018 (crimes against sexual dignity) inserting article 218-C into the Código Penal, plus Marco Civil da Internet (Lei nº 12.965/2014) article 21 criminalises this conduct. From 1 to 5 years imprisonment under article 218-C. Aggravated where committed by a current or former intimate partner.

What evidence should a Brazil victim of deepfake of me preserve?

Full page screenshot of every URL where the content appears. The username and account handle that posted the content. Any source images credited or visibly used, which proves the deepfake derivation. The video or image file itself, downloaded for evidence preservation.

Does LGPD (Lei nº 13.709/2018) right to deletion under article 18 apply to this scenario?

Yes. LGPD (Lei nº 13.709/2018) right to deletion under article 18 gives the victim a direct erasure right against any platform processing the imagery. ANPD enforces non compliance.

What support is available in Brazil for deepfake of me?

SaferNet Brasil provides direct support to victims and can assist with both the criminal complaint and the platform removal process. Contact at https://new.safernet.org.br.

Can a Brazil victim also file a US TAKE IT DOWN Act notice?

Yes when the hosting platform is subject to US jurisdiction. The 48 hour federal removal obligation runs in parallel with rights under Lei nº 13.718/2018 plus Marco Civil article 21 and LGPD (Lei nº 13.709/2018) right to deletion under article 18.

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