Accounts on the Instagram, Facebook and Threads platforms, managed by Meta, are being notified in Brazil for frequently showing children in monetized publications. The initiative aims to require the presentation of a permit, a legal document that authorizes the use of the image of individuals under the age of 18 in the content broadcast.
Meta is directing its notifications to profiles that have more than 29 thousand followers, where children or teenagers appear as central figures in the material disseminated and maintain constant activity on the platforms. The Public Ministry of Labor (MPT), together with the Public Ministry of São Paulo (MP/SP), will have the prerogative to indicate which profiles must be subject to the permit requirement.
After receiving the notification, the minor’s legal guardians have 20 days to provide the license. In the absence of the document, Meta has the autonomy to block the profile within ten days after the end of the established period, in addition to being subject to a fine of up to R$100,000 for each child whose image is used inappropriately.
These notifications represent compliance with an agreement formalized by Meta on March 18 with the MPT. The measure is in line with the recently enacted ECA Digital, the Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents, and aims to combat reports of exploitation of minors in campaigns and online content of an adult nature.
Sources such as the Núcleo and Tecnoblog portals indicate that the change was also driven by a legal action against Meta. This process, initiated in August 2025 by the Labor Court of the 2nd Region, resulted in the license becoming mandatory in Brazilian territory from now on.
To obtain the license, those responsible for the minor must formalize the request with the competent Children and Youth Court. If the location does not have a specialized court, the request can be forwarded to a State Court judge.
After filing the request, the judicial authority will thoroughly analyze whether the filming and frequency of online publications may interfere with the education, physical, emotional, social and ethical growth of the child or adolescent. It is important to highlight that the MPT will maintain active monitoring of the profiles’ online presence, even after the license is issued.
