Identify and report fake news during the 2026 elections with tips from TSE.
Shortly before the 2026 first round of elections on October 4, voters’ mobile phones are inundated with audio, video, and messages regarding polls, candidates, and voting locations. Some of this content is inaccurate, while other parts present genuine information that has been taken out of context, edited, or with altered dates.
To determine if it’s fake news, you should verify the origin, publication date, and complete content, comparing with reliable news outlets and fact-checking agencies. Reporting misinformation is also an option through the Electoral Disinformation Alert System (Siade) by the Superior Electoral Court (TSE), which allows anonymous reports from any voter.
Identifying false information in the 2026 election.
The following signals frequently show up in fake content. While one could be a coincidence, if several are present, it is important to verify before accepting the content as true.
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- A captivating title full of adjectives may not accurately reflect the content until the entire text is read.
- A significant piece of information is typically verified by multiple sources. If it is only published on a single website or a group of messages, there is a high likelihood of error.
- Fake websites designed to imitate newspapers or magazines lure users by copying the names of popular brands, redirecting them to potentially fraudulent sites aiming to steal personal information and passwords. It is important to carefully scrutinize the website address for authenticity.
- Reports from previous years resurface as if they are current.
- Journalist writings are reviewed for errors in Portuguese, and spelling mistakes indicate questionable authenticity.
- Legitimate opinion articles are signed, while unsigned texts that offer opinions on how to stay informed should be approached with caution.
- Phrases such as “not sure who wouldn’t want to share” and persistent appeals to pass it on to friends are common in misleading content.
Audios and videos should be treated with equal caution as they can be altered, including with artificial intelligence. It is important to verify the source of the file and confirm its accuracy with reputable sources such as press organizations or Electoral Justice before sharing it. According to TSE regulations, AI-generated propaganda must include a clear warning, and the use of deepfakes is not allowed.
Where can I find electoral information?
This event can begin by determining the authenticity of information in news articles by involving the press and then utilizing fact-checking platforms like Lupa Agency and the Facts. The Electoral Justice has also been running the Fato or Boato page since October 2020, which provides clarifications from TSE and independent agencies and enables users to search for specific keywords.
The voting location details can be found in various sources such as the e-Title app, the Electoral Self-service on the TSE website, the Where to Vote feature, and the Electoral Justice automated service on WhatsApp.
Receiving a message from an address not specified by official channels can lead to suspicion. The same applies to email notifications about canceled titles, as the TSE states that they do not send such communications to voters.
How to inform TSE about false election news
The fake news alert can be submitted anonymously without the need for the voter to reveal their identity. Siade, an administrative system, does not conduct investigations. The TSE team reviews the content received and, if needed, refers the case to the appropriate authorities. If there is a potential breach of a digital platform’s regulations, steps are taken as outlined in the compliance plan submitted to the Electoral Justice. Cases involving criminal activity or electoral administrative violations are passed on to bodies such as the Prosecutor and the Federal Police.
Mass shooting complaints about electoral messages sent via WhatsApp go directly to Meta, the company behind the app, without initial analysis by the Siade team due to submission format irregularities. The platform assesses the situation and enforces its own rules.
Complaints about fake news can be submitted through the TSE website by providing details such as the platform, link to the content, analysis by fact-check agency, explanation of misinformation, and a screenshot for identification. A thorough complaint leads to quicker and more accurate analysis, as per TSE.
Which channel to utilize: Siade or Pardal?
Not all complaints are handled in Siade. Deciding whether to use Siade or the Pardal app for iOS and Android depends on the topic.
| Channel | For what purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Siade | Spread of false information related to polls, electoral process, and election integrity. Does not handle complaints about fake news involving candidates or parties | False information about the functioning of voting machines; website impersonating the Electoral Justice; message discouraging voting |
| Pardal app | Reports irregularities associated with candidates, parties, and electoral surveys | Irregular electoral advertising without proper identification; misleading video of a candidate |
A fake news can be reported through the complaint feature available in the publication menu of the network where it was received, in conjunction with the TSE alert. In messaging groups, individuals can inform those who shared the misinformation and discuss with moderators ways to combat false information. Disseminating the accurate information from a trustworthy source can help dispel the rumor among those who were exposed to the fake news.
