Lula Renews Call for Social Media Regulation After Girl's Cyberbullying Suicide

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, speaking at an event in Campo Verde, Mato Grosso, on May 24th, 2025, renewed his calls for tighter regulation of social media platforms in Brazil. The event, focused on launching a program to support family farming, provided a backdrop for Lula to address concerns about the harmful effects of unchecked online activity. "Tudo tem controle, menos as empresas de aplicativo," Lula stated, translating to "Everything has control, except app companies." His comments were prompted by the recent suicide of a young girl who, according to Lula, was subjected to intense cyberbullying. He described the situation as the girl being "almost tortured" by online harassment. This tragic case underscores Lula's argument for government intervention, aiming to curb the spread of online abuse and misinformation. Lula also addressed the existing law limiting cell phone use in schools, but emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to regulating social media companies. He committed to increased travel across Brazil starting in June, aiming to directly engage with citizens and combat the spread of disinformation. The event showcased Lula's commitment to both supporting family farmers and tackling the challenges of the digital age. His emotional plea for regulation, coupled with the tragic example, highlights the growing concerns about the impact of social media on Brazilian society.