Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's socialist regime has launched a fresh crackdown on social media and freedom of speech.
On Thursday, his government announced new measures to force social media companies to remove content deemed to constitute "electoral harassment."
The crackdown comes just days after Lula narrowly defeated conservative challenger Flávio Bolsonaro in a disputed presidential runoff.
Bolsonaro has since been forced to seek refuge in the U.S. to avoid being imprisoned by the socialist authorities.
"BREAKING: Flavio Bolsonaro and Family Have Arrived in Miami After Fleeing Brazil – State Department Grants Visa" — The Gateway Pundit
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The government claims to have complaints from workers who were threatened with dismissal or pressured over their political preferences.
"These measures aim to protect workers' freedom of political choice and hold employers accountable for discriminatory practices," the government declared.
Under the new initiative, authorities can seek the removal of websites, publications and social media posts it claims are interfering with the political process.
The campaign involves the Justice Ministry, Labor Ministry, federal prosecutors and Brazil's Superior Labor Court.
American technology companies are already facing enforcement action.
According to Brazilian newspaper O Globo, the Superior Labor Court ordered Meta, which owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, to remove posts encouraging employers to fire workers over their votes.
The company was reportedly given just 24 hours to comply.
Authorities are also pursuing financial penalties against businesses accused of political harassment.
Labor Minister Luiz Marinho announced plans to compile a list of offending employers, while senior labor court officials warned that companies could lose access to financing.
"The consequences for those who are irresponsibly continuing down this path will be very severe," Superior Labor Court president Vieira de Mello Filho warned, citing the possibility of a blacklist.
The measures follow Lula's alleged electoral victory, which was marred by numerous irregularities.
President Trump has yet to formally recognize the result, describing it as a "very strange election."
Q: Flávio Bolsonaro has declared himself the "rightful president" of Brazil. Do you agree?
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 28, 2026
Trump: I'm not going to make a comment about that.
I won't get involved. It was a very strange election, that's for sure. pic.twitter.com/CfzV1yuGsb
During his victory speech, Lula also renewed his demands for greater government control over social media.
"We have to regulate them," he declared, accusing online platforms of interference in the political process.
The mask is OFF. 🇧🇷
— Dr. Simon (@goddek) October 26, 2026
Hours after being re-selected, Lula’s first move:
“We’re going to have to regulate the social media platforms."
TRANSLATION: he’s coming for your free speech.
This is what a tyrant sounds like. Once a commie, always a commie. pic.twitter.com/ines6dDJIa
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