This paper analyses social media blocking in Brazil, as a consequence of "regulatory disruption".
News and Research articles on WhatsApp
The Brazilian 2014 elections were the first to heavily apply Whatsapp as a micro-targeting tool. This paper aims to test the effectiveness of Whatsapp compared to more traditional approaches. First, we find that short videos delivered via WhatsApp are a powerful method of increasing turnout among teen voters. Second, we add Brazil to the list of countries in which the traditional method of door-to-door canvassing has been proven a powerful method of mobilising voters.
A committee of the Council of Europe released a report on mass surveillance on 26 January 2015. Some of its recommendations are expected to influence the debate heavily.