The Launch of Brazil's First Comprehensive Disinformation Panorama

The Observatório Lupa, a leading Brazilian fact-checking initiative, unveiled its inaugural Panorama da Desinformação no Brasil on February 5, 2026, shedding light on the evolving landscape of online falsehoods. This pioneering study analyzes verified disinformation contents from 2025, comparing them to 2024 data to uncover patterns, strategies, and impacts. Amid rising concerns over artificial intelligence (AI), the report highlights a dramatic surge in AI-generated fakes, positioning them as a growing threat to public discourse.

Founded by journalists dedicated to combating misinformation through rigorous verification and media literacy efforts, the Lupa has become a cornerstone in Brazil's information ecosystem. This report marks a significant milestone, offering data-driven insights that extend beyond mere fact-checking to strategic analysis of disinformation tactics.

Methodology Behind the Groundbreaking Analysis

The Panorama employed a robust qualitative and quantitative approach, scrutinizing 617 disinformation pieces verified by Agência Lupa in 2025 against 839 from 2024. Researchers categorized contents by type, target, platform, and tactics, revealing structural shifts in how falsehoods propagate. This annual benchmark sets the stage for ongoing monitoring, particularly as Brazil gears up for future elections.

By focusing on verified cases, the study ensures reliability, drawing from Lupa's extensive database. Such methodological rigor underscores the report's value for academics, policymakers, and educators studying information disorders.

Explosive Growth in AI-Powered Fake Contents

One of the report's most alarming revelations is the tripling—precisely a 308% increase—in AI-generated disinformation. From 39 instances in 2024 (4.6% of total verifications) to 159 in 2025 (approximately 25.8%), these fakes now dominate the ecosystem. Deepfakes, defined as AI-manipulated videos or audios altering faces, voices, or actions, exemplify this trend.

In 2025, over 75% of AI contents exploited politicians' images or voices, shifting from 2024's scam-focused uses like celebrity endorsements for frauds. Nearly 45% carried ideological bias, up from 33%, signaling weaponization for political ends.Read the full Lupa report summary.

This escalation challenges higher education institutions to integrate AI literacy into curricula, preparing students for an era where distinguishing real from synthetic is paramount. For those pursuing careers in digital ethics or media studies, opportunities abound in higher ed jobs focused on technology and society.

Supreme Federal Court (STF) Emerges as Prime Target

The STF topped disinformation targets in 2025, reflecting intensified attacks on judicial institutions. Minister Alexandre de Moraes featured in 30 AI fakes, amid broader efforts to undermine court legitimacy. This trend correlates with ongoing debates over misinformation regulations.

• STF-related fakes often questioned judicial decisions or alleged corruption.
• These attacks aim to erode public trust, impacting policy enforcement including education reforms.
• Universities, frequent defenders of institutional integrity, play a vital role here.

Brazilian academics researching constitutional law or media effects can contribute through peer-reviewed studies, with resources like higher ed career advice guiding their paths.

Political Leaders in the Crosshairs: Lula and Bolsonaro

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faced 36 AI-generated attacks, followed closely by former President Jair Bolsonaro with 33. These deepfakes fabricated inflammatory statements or actions, amplifying polarization. The report notes a tactical evolution: AI now crafts hyper-personalized narratives for maximum virality.

Such targeting extends to education policy debates, where false claims about funding or curricula proliferate. Higher education professionals monitoring these can leverage Rate My Professor insights to counter biased narratives on campus life.

Platform Dispersion: Beyond WhatsApp Dominance

WhatsApp's share dropped from nearly 90% in 2024 to 46% in 2025, with fakes spreading to Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, Kwai, and TikTok. Short-video platforms gained traction for AI clips, demanding adaptive moderation strategies.

This shift necessitates university media labs to study cross-platform dynamics, fostering interdisciplinary research in communication and computer science.

From Digital Scams to Ideological Warfare

AI's pivot from scams (e.g., fake celebrity ads) to politics marks a maturation of disinformation tactics. In 2024, financial fraud dominated; by 2025, strategic ideological content prevailed, blending misinformation with partisan agendas.

Higher education responds by expanding programs in digital forensics and ethical AI, equipping graduates for roles in fact-checking orgs like Lupa. Explore university jobs in Brazil for such positions via AcademicJobs Brazil.

Implications for Democracy and Higher Education

The report warns of eroded trust in institutions, with ripple effects on education. Fake news historically tarnishes public universities' images, influencing enrollment and funding. Brazilian higher ed must champion media literacy to safeguard academic discourse.

Stakeholders, from professors to administrators, face heightened scrutiny amid disinformation waves. Proactive measures, like university-led verification hubs, could mitigate risks.

Brazilian Universities' Pivotal Role in Countering Disinformation

Institutions like USP and Unicamp are at the forefront, developing AI guidelines and media education curricula. Research shows fake news correlates with negative views of federal universities, underscoring the need for robust responses.

• Initiate campus fact-checking workshops.
• Partner with orgs like Lupa for training.
• Integrate disinformation modules in journalism and CS degrees.

For educators advancing these efforts, faculty positions offer platforms to lead change.

Case Studies: Real-World AI Deepfake Examples

Illustrative cases include manipulated videos of Lula endorsing scams or Bolsonaro criticizing allies falsely. STF deepfakes alleged bias in rulings, amassing millions of views before debunking.

These exemplify step-by-step fabrication: AI training on public footage, synthesis, amplification via bots. Universities can use such examples in classrooms to teach detection techniques.

Outlook for 2026: Elections and Escalating Threats

With municipal elections looming, the report predicts intensified AI use, potentially overwhelming fact-checkers. Proactive regulation and education are crucial.

Higher ed's future-oriented research can forecast trends, informing policy. Aspiring researchers, consult academic CV tips.

Photo by Juli Kosolapova on Unsplash

Solutions, Recommendations, and Actionable Insights

Lupa advocates platform accountability, public awareness, and tech safeguards like watermarking AI content. Universities should:

• Develop open-source detection tools.
• Train students via simulations.
• Collaborate internationally on standards.

For career growth in this field, visit higher ed jobs, rate my professor, and career advice. Post jobs at post a job to attract talent combating disinformation.