X Requests Suspension of TSE Rule on Candidate Algorithm Exclusion

The social media platform X has requested that the Superior Electoral Court (TSE) suspend or remove a rule requiring platforms to exclude declared candidate profiles from content recommendation systems during election campaigns. This rule prevents platforms from showing a candidate's posts to users who do not already follow that profile. X argues that the rule is difficult to implement and may create asymmetric treatment between candidates, as those who fail to report their profiles or whose information is missing from the TSE database may avoid the filter while others are restricted.

This request follows a legal action filed by President Lula's coalition on September 26 and a subsequent order from Minister André Mendonça for the platform to provide information. X admitted that it failed to update the list of candidate profiles in its recommendation filter between August 14 and August 25, explaining that the delay was due to necessary data analysis. The company also criticized the TSE database for lacking update dates, lacking curation, and containing incorrect or inconsistent information.

X contends that the most secure way to avoid asymmetry is to stop applying the rule until it can be implemented in a uniform and verifiable manner. Both reports note that X updated its algorithm to include more names on August 25 after being questioned by the press.