Brazil requests removal of 348 influencer profiles promoting illegal betting

The Brazilian federal government has asked platforms to remove 348 influencer profiles for promoting unlicensed betting platforms, reaching a combined audience of more than 150 million followers. The request was issued as part of a wider enforcement operation that follows the publication of Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 on 25 September and technical takedowns that had blocked over 47,000 illegal websites by 6 November.

Scope of the takedown request and technical blocks

The removal request targeting 348 influencer accounts was coordinated by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security through the National Secretariat for Digital Rights (Sedigi) and in cooperation with the National Secretariat for Public Security (Senasp) and the Cyber Operations Laboratory (Ciberlab). Authorities say the targeted profiles command a combined reach of more than 150 million followers.

The Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA), part of the Ministry of Finance, reported that over 47,000 illegal websites had been blocked by 6 November. SPA calculated that this equates to an average of more than 1,100 domain blocks per day since Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 was published on 25 September. The provisional measure instituted a nationwide ban on fixed-odds betting operations.

Authorities say the social-media removals are intended to complement the website blocks because promotional content and referral links continue to be distributed across social networks and messaging services.

Monitoring findings and channels of promotion

Independent monitoring compiled by LegitBet for the National Association of Games and Lotteries (ANJL) identified 802 Instagram profiles promoting 844 distinct gambling websites between 21 October and 2 November. LegitBet reported that about 74 per cent of those accounts promoted betting services repeatedly, and most of the profiles had follower counts between 10,000 and 100,000.

A separate investigation by Metrópoles found 87 betting domains across six Telegram channels that together had more than 43,000 subscribers. ANJL president Plínio Lemos Jorge warned that these campaigns expose millions of consumers, including minors, to unregulated sites that lack standard consumer protections.

Industry response and legal challenge

Industry groups have criticised the blanket ban established by Provisional Measure 1,394/2026, arguing that prior to the measure 85 corporate entities held federal authorisation to operate in Brazil under a regime of oversight, player identification and anti-underage controls. Trade associations contend that suspending compliant operators risks driving consumers toward clandestine, unregulated platforms.

Legal disputes over the provisional measure have progressed to the Supreme Federal Court (STF). At the request of Prosecutor-General Paulo Gonet, STF Justice Luiz Fux ordered a nationwide suspension of lower-court proceedings challenging the measure; the stay remains in place until the full court decides on the pending direct actions of unconstitutionality.

Enforcement mechanics and next steps

Actual removal of influencer profiles depends on the compliance of the hosting social platforms. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security and its operational units are coordinating notices to platforms and continuing digital monitoring. SPA will continue domain blocking operations while agencies monitor for the use of alternative domains and referral networks that attempt to circumvent blocks.

Provisional Measure 1,394/2026 remains the legal instrument cited by authorities for the takedowns and blocks.