Based on the principles of freedom of expression and right to information, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) recently decided that authors of biographies do not need to obtain prior authorization from the persons portrayed by them.
The Brazilian National Congress is currently analyzing a bill of law introduced in 2014 that deals with the same subject. It proposes an amendment to the Brazilian Civil Code, turning into law the STF's decision. According to the bill, the publication of images, writings and biographic information will be allowed without previous authorization if they refer to public figures or people involved in matters of general interest.
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