17 July 2025 – A Court in São Paulo, Brazil has handed down a landmark ruling against company Seguidores Marketing Digital Ltda for generating fake followers, likes, and streams on platforms including Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This is the first ruling under ‘Operation Authentica’, which represents a major milestone in the fight against streaming fraud.
Coordinated by the São Paulo Public Attorney’s Office, through its Consumer Protection Unit and Cyber Gaeco, and supported by APDIF and IFPI Latin America, Operation Authentica is an initiative targeting services providing fake interactions online and which has so far included 38 local sites offering streaming fraud services.
The Court found Seguidores liable for misleading advertising, fraud against consumers, and violations of several constitutional rights and ordered it to cease its unlawful services or face penalty fees, pay collective damages and have its domain names suspended. Seguidores has appealed the ruling.
The Court recognised that fake interactions cause serious harm to consumers, affecting not only individuals but the diffuse rights of the community and the very health of the digital information and communication system.
The Court decision in Brazil marks another major moment in the country’s efforts to protect artists and consumers from those seeking to exploit the music industry.
Commenting on the action, IFPI CEO, Victoria Oakley, said:
“This is a clear warning to those profiting from manipulating the online music environment. Their actions mislead music fans and undermine legitimate artists.
“Today’s ruling sets a strong legal precedent, and we are grateful to the São Paulo Public Attorney’s Office for this successful operation. We will continue to work closely with authorities to tackle these fraudulent practices, and to help protect Brazil’s thriving music community.”
President of Pro-Música Brasil, Paulo Rosa, said:
“The content of this ruling goes beyond the music streaming manipulation itself. It adds the defense of consumer rights to cases where artificial and inorganic means are used to boost content online.
“We applaud this decision and will continue to work closely with Brazilian authorities to protect the integrity of our legitimate music market.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About IFPI
IFPI is the voice of the recording industry worldwide, representing over 8,000 record company members across the globe. We work to promote the value of recorded music, campaign for the rights of record producers and expand the commercial uses of recorded music around the world.
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