Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled that social media companies like Google, Meta, and TikTok can be held responsible for illegal content posted by users if they do not remove it after being notified by victims. The 8-3 decision, which will take effect in the coming weeks, requires these platforms to actively monitor and remove content that includes hate speech, racism, and incitement to violence. While the ruling aims to tackle serious online harm, critics warn it may endanger free speech by promoting preemptive censorship. The court did not define what illegal content is, opting to address it on a case-by-case basis. Companies will not be liable if they can show that they made timely efforts to remove the content, bringing Brazil’s approach closer to the EU’s digital regulations.