ECA Digital (Law No. 15.211/2025) is the most significant regulatory framework for digital platforms operating in Brazil since LGPD. Signed in September 2025 and regulated by Decree No. 12.880/2026, it extends the protective principles of the Children and Adolescents Statute to the digital environment, creating concrete obligations for domestic and foreign providers.
Context and purpose
ECA Digital was born from a clear concern: children and adolescents spend most of their time on digital platforms designed by global companies, subject to engagement, algorithmic recommendation, and monetization logics that were not designed with child protection in mind. The law establishes a general duty of care by platforms toward this audience.
Unlike LGPD, which addresses personal data generally, ECA Digital creates specific obligations: prevention of harmful content, parental controls, algorithmic transparency, restrictions on advertising targeted at minors, and — for foreign platforms — the designation of a legal representative in Brazil.
Who is affected
The law reaches any internet application provider offering digital products or services to users in Brazil, regardless of nationality or physical presence in the country. Social networks, video and audio platforms, games, marketplaces, messaging apps, and search tools are all included.
Foreign suppliers are especially impacted. The absence of formal representation in Brazil is no longer tolerated: without an established legal representative, the platform cannot respond to subpoenas, comply with judicial orders, or engage with regulators — a situation that activates the penalties provided in the law.
Effective date and timelines
ECA Digital came into force in January 2026, with a 180-day period for initial adaptation of the platforms it reaches. Decree No. 12.880/2026 detailed operational obligations, including semiannual transparency reports for platforms with more than one million child and adolescent users in the country.
Foreign companies that have not yet structured their compliance should act with urgency — explore our legal representative service to understand the obligations applicable to your case.
What changes for global platforms
ECA Digital changes how international platforms operate in Brazil across three dimensions: legal presence (representative domiciled in the country), content governance (moderation mechanisms, notice channel, parental controls), and transparency (public reports, cooperation with authorities).
Ignoring the law is not a strategic option: fines can reach 10% of the group's revenue in Brazil, capped at BRL 50 million per infraction, plus suspension or prohibition of activities.