Brazilian parties request suspension of "Dona Maria" AI-generated political profile
Brazilian political parties PT, PV and PCdoB filed a complaint with the Electoral Court on April 22, 2026, seeking the suspension of social media profiles using AI-generated images of an elderly Black woman called "Dona Maria" that reportedly spread disinformation attacking President Lula and left-wing politicians. The parties alleged the profiles engaged in political propaganda, spread false information including fabricated policy details, and remained unclear about their artificial nature, potentially deceiving the public into believing the content came from a real person.
What happened
On April 22, 2026, the parties PT, PV and PCdoB filed a complaint with Brazil's Electoral Court (TSE) requesting the suspension of social media profiles named 'Dona Maria' across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.
The 'Dona Maria' profiles used AI-generated realistic images of an elderly Black woman to create and distribute political content. While the first video disclosed the fictional nature of the character, subsequent posts did not clearly indicate the content was AI-generated, creating confusion about whether the posts came from a real person.
According to the parties, the profiles constituted political propaganda deliberately spreading disinformation, including false claims about tax policies on recycling, misrepresentations of statements by President Lula, and attacks on left-wing politicians including Minister Guilherme Boulos. The profiles also praised Jair Bolsonaro and his supporters.
Reported impact
The parties alleged the profiles constituted crimes against honor through disinformation and functioned as a tool for political propaganda by an unknown person operating anonymously.
The parties noted the 'Dona Maria' profiles also engaged in economic manipulation, with the first video mentioning offers to monetize followers through betting houses, while the TikTok profile offered to promote companies and courses on Instagram automation, despite the Instagram version claiming not to make such partnerships.
Index analysis
The profiles spread specific false claims, including a fabricated 'tax on recyclable material collectors' that the parties stated was never proposed and had been publicly debunked by multiple media outlets.
Governance controls
The parties requested immediate removal of all 'Dona Maria' profiles from the five social media platforms and asked the TSE to adopt measures to prevent similar content from being circulated, shared, republished or promoted.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.