Liberdade de expressão e fake news no capitalismo digital

The paper studies fake news and its relationship with the rights and freedoms linked to the free expression of thought, in the Democratic State of Law. The research can be classified as qualitative, and aims to evaluate, based on the dialectical method (and others), the relationship between democracy, freedom of expression and fake news, as well as studying the responsibility of actors and internet providers in its dissemination. First, through a study of the role of media in the democratic process, concluded by the importance of freedoms related to the free expression of thought and the fundamental role that media plays in the formation of public opinion, which can influence the direction of a society. Then it was discussed about fake news, a phenomenon increased by the use of digital media that can cause damage to democracy. It was concluded by the need to define limits to freedom of expression, with mechanisms to control the excessive propagation of fake news, either through state regulation or even through awareness actions, without forgetting the need for caution so that, in order to protect certain fundamental rights, do not end up weakening others, such as freedom of expression. Finally, he discussed the responsibility for the propagation of fake news, to conclude that this phenomenon may not be the main cause of the risk to democracy, but a consequence of a bigger problem.