In an opening speech at the UN General Assembly this Tuesday (22), President Lula (PT) spoke about themes of Brazilian politics that have surrounded his electoral campaign, such as the ban on betting shops, the end of the 6×1 scale and the regulation of big techs.
“Companies that know the risks of their products transfer the impossible task of facing algorithms to families. The billion-dollar betting industry turns addiction into profit. Its dizzying spread is causing debt and destroying homes. Brazil will not tolerate this business model”, said the president.
The promise to regulate betting gained traction last week, when Lula became more emphatic when talking about banning betting shops, marking a turnaround in the PT campaign.
According to sources heard by Brazil in factLula intends to sign, on Wednesday (23), a Provisional Measure (MP) for firmer regulation of betting. Online games and casinos, such as the so-called Jogo do Tigrinho, should be banned. Sports betting will not be banned, as has been announced since Thursday (17), but will be subject to greater advertising restrictions.
End of scale 6×1
Another theme widely present in the electoral campaign that Lula took to the UN was the end of the 6×1 scale. Approved by the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the Senate, it is uncertain when the PEC should go to the Chamber plenary. The government, however, takes over the agenda and treats it as central to the electoral debate.
“Workers need time to rest, qualify and spend time with their family,” said Lula at the UN. “In Brazil, achieving this objective involves ending the so-called 6×1 scale to guarantee workers two days off per week.”
“This change is fundamental to alleviate the domestic burden that still falls on women. We are building a Brazil in which women do not need to ask for leave to occupy spaces of power or enter the job market”, he stated, following which he was applauded.
‘Techno-oligarchs’
The president also attacked foreign technology companies, the so-called big techs, which were at the center of US pressure against Brazil. In July, a group of Republican senators sent a letter to the US trade representative in Brazil criticizing Brazilian regulatory policy on digital platforms.
“It would be an unforgivable historical omission not to face the challenge of regulating big tech and artificial intelligence. A handful of techno-oligarchs want to resurrect a version of digital neoliberalism, without rules or transparency”, said Lula in the United Nations plenary.
Lula mentioned regulation of artificial intelligence, something that would be mentioned by the president who followed him on the platform, the American Donald Trump, who defended fewer regulations on technologies.
“They are promoting a race without ethical brakes despite the UN and the Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence,” said Lula. As Pope Leo 14 warns, “decisions about technology must never be separated from conscience and responsibility.”
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
