Brazilian Court Takes Aim at Streaming Fraudsters

A court in São Paulo, Brazil, has found Seguidores Marketing Digital Ltda guilty of generating fake followers, likes and streams on platforms including Spotify, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

Operation Authentica:

• This is the first ruling under ‘Operation Authentica,’ which targets “services providing fake interactions online.”

• It is coordinated by the São Paulo Public Attorney’s Office, through its Consumer Protection Unit and Cyber Gaeco, and supported by the APDIF and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) Latin America.

• So far it has targeted 38 local sites offering streaming fraud services.

The conviction:

• 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.

What they said:

• Victoria Oakley, IFPI CEO: "This is a clear warning to those profiting from manipulating the online music environment. Their actions mislead music fans and undermine legitimate artists.”

• Paulo Rosa, President of Pro-Música Brasil: “We applaud this decision and will continue to work closely with Brazilian authorities to protect the integrity of our legitimate music market.”