Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has initiated monitoring of 18 high-traffic adult websites to ensure compliance with the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA). This initial phase aims to verify the implementation of age-verification measures for users located in Brazil.

ANPD Begins Monitoring Phase

On June 19, 2026, the ANPD announced it is now monitoring 18 adult websites. The agency released a statement on Friday, June 13, 2026, indicating that the goal of this initial monitoring phase is to verify whether site operators are adopting measures to restrict access by children and adolescents. The ANPD also stated it will collect information and data to support its decision-making.

The Digital ECA, also known as Bill 2628/2022 or Lei 15.211/2025, was signed into law by Brazil’s president on September 17, 2025, and took effect on March 17, 2026. It mandates that pornographic websites and social networks must block underage access and detect child accounts using reliable age verification. The law requires reliable age assurance measures and permits identity documentation or alternative technical methods proportionate to risk. The Digital ECA applies to any digital product or service "aimed at" or "likely to be accessed" by children or adolescents in Brazil, regardless of the provider’s location.

The 18 websites currently under ANPD monitoring represent 98% of web traffic for adult content in Brazil. The list includes various types of platforms, such as tube sites, creator platforms, a cam site, and two escort sites. The monitored sites are:

More direct inspection and enforcement actions are not scheduled to commence until January, assuming the ANPD adheres to its previously announced enforcement timeline. Earlier in June 2026, the ANPD launched a complaints page where citizens can report possible violations of the Digital ECA.

Enforcement and Industry Impact

The Digital ECA introduces strict rules for age assurance, parental supervision, and youth-oriented monetization. Non-compliance with the law can result in services being throttled or blocked entirely, alongside fines of up to 10% of the company’s Brazilian revenue, capped at 50 million Brazilian reais (almost $10 million USD).

Since the Digital ECA became enforceable on March 17, 2026, there has been a notable increase in interest in VPN services in Brazil. Google Trends data shows a rise in searches for 'VPN' in Brazil, and privacy provider Proton VPN reported a 250% increase in sign-ups from the country overnight between Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17, 2026. David Peterson, General Manager at Proton VPN, stated that these surges often reflect adult users turning to VPNs due to growing concerns about their privacy and online security.

The Digital ECA does not replace the 1990 Statute of Children and Adolescents (ECA) but establishes stricter guidelines to ensure protection in the digital environment. Researchers from organizations linked to children’s rights have described the new law as "historic" and "groundbreaking" for Brazil. Águeda Barreto, a specialist in the digital protection of children and adolescents at ChildFund Brasil, noted that the Brazilian law is "very broad in scope" and part of a global movement to protect children online.

International Context and Precedents

The move by Brazil’s ANPD follows similar regulatory actions in other regions. On June 19, 2026, U.K. media regulator Ofcom imposed a fine of 80,000 pounds (more than $100,000) against First Time Videos, which operates FTVGirls.com and FTVMilfs.com, for failing to implement age checks required for compliance with the Online Safety Act.

Additionally, on June 16, 2026, the European Union’s Court of Justice ruled that France may require pornographic websites based in other EU states to implement age verification in accordance with French law, provided France follows EU electronic commerce rules.

Key Facts

  • Brazil’s ANPD began monitoring 18 adult websites on June 19, 2026, for compliance with the Digital ECA.
  • The Digital ECA, signed on September 17, 2025, requires age verification for adult sites and took effect on March 17, 2026.
  • The monitored sites represent 98% of Brazil’s adult content web traffic and include tube sites, creator platforms, a cam site, and two escort sites.
  • Direct inspection and enforcement actions are scheduled to commence in January 2027.
  • Non-compliance can lead to services being throttled or blocked, and fines up to 50 million Brazilian reais (approximately $10 million USD).
  • VPN interest in Brazil surged following the Digital ECA's enforcement, with Proton VPN reporting a 250% increase in sign-ups.