Meta employees said Lula’s Instagram accounts were hindered during Brazil election

Summary

Meta employees acknowledged in internal communications that restrictions hindered Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Instagram accounts during the election, Folha de S.Paulo reported, citing messages it reviewed. Al Jazeera reports that the messages also said the platform recommended Bolsonaro’s profile and his WhatsApp channel. This follows reports that Lula accused Meta of helping his right-wing opponent and that his party planned to file a complaint over election interference.

Timeline

1. The Straits Times

   16 Oct 2026, 16:25 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that Folha de S.Paulo, citing messages it reviewed, said Meta employees acknowledged that restrictions hindered Lula’s Instagram accounts during Brazil’s election.

2. Al Jazeera

   16 Oct 2026, 21:08 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that messages reported by a Brazilian daily said the platform recommended Bolsonaro’s profile and his WhatsApp channel.