Loot box rules in Brazil and comparison with legislation from Belgium, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom
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Olhar Digital
olhardigital.com.br

Loot box rules in Brazil and comparison with legislation from Belgium, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom

Reward boxes, known as loot boxes, which provide random items in video games, are subject to new restrictions in Brazil with the implementation of the Digital Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA Digital) in March 2026.

This new legislation aims to prevent children and adolescents from accessing paid random reward mechanisms present in popular games such as Counter-Strike 2, Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile.

The analysis of the risks of these mechanics is not limited to Brazil; countries such as Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom have also studied the topic, arriving at different regulatory solutions.

Law No. 15.211/2025, named ECA Digital, imposes limits on reward boxes in games intended for or accessible by children and adolescents. In practice, companies are required to prevent individuals under 18 from using paid random reward functionalities.

The regulation offers adaptation paths, such as verifying user age, offering versions of the game without these mechanics, or deactivating restricted functionalities. It is important to note that this does not prohibit loot boxes for all Brazilian players, as adults can continue accessing these systems, provided they meet other legal requirements.

In October, the Ministry of Justice requested the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) to prioritize monitoring six specific titles: Counter-Strike 2, Call of Duty, NBA 2K26, WWE 2K26, Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile. This request is only for monitoring and does not imply a conclusion of legal infraction by the developers.

Despite the four countries debating the dangers of random rewards, their norms are not identical. In Belgium, the Gaming Commission decided in 2018 that certain paid random reward systems fell under gambling legislation, forcing companies to alter or remove these functionalities in titles sold in the Belgian market.

The landscape in the Netherlands differs significantly. In 2022, a court decision invalidated a fine imposed on Electronic Arts regarding FIFA Ultimate Team packs, demonstrating that the mere presence of random rewards does not constitute gambling activity by itself.

Meanwhile, the UK government opted not to establish a specific general ban, focusing instead on safeguards for children and adolescents, such as parental controls, purchase restrictions, and industry agreements.

The core of the controversy lies in paying for a reward whose outcome is not previously known. Users can invest real money in an attempt to obtain rare cosmetic items, cards, or characters, without a guarantee of receiving what they desire.

Research has pointed to correlations between spending on loot boxes and problematic betting behavior patterns, although this does not mean that all studies have proven a direct cause-and-effect link. The disparities between the countries highlight the lack of a global consensus on how to regulate these mechanics.

In Brazil, the legislative focus is on protecting minors, and the challenge for developers consists of adjusting monetization systems and validating user age without having to remove the games from the market.

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ANPD publishes guide explaining obligations of technology companies under the Digital ECA for online child protection
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olhardigital.com.br

ANPD publishes guide explaining obligations of technology companies under the Digital ECA for online child protection

The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) released a guide on Wednesday (28th) aimed at clarifying the responsibilities of technology companies regarding the safeguarding of children and adolescents on the internet. This material specifies which services must adhere to the Digital Child and Adolescent Statute (ECA Digital) and what measures must be implemented to mitigate dangers in the virtual space.

The guidelines cover a wide range of services, including social networks, messaging applications, electronic games, video platforms, app stores, operating systems, and e-commerce platforms. It is important to note that the application of these rules is not limited only to products developed for minors; general public services may also be covered if there is a possibility of access by children and adolescents.

The guide aims to elucidate the application of Law No. 15.211/2025, which established the Digital ECA, providing criteria for companies to recognize their obligations. This legislation came into effect in March 2026.

According to the ANPD, the protection of this demographic group must be integrated into both the development process and the operation of digital services. This implies that companies have a duty to proactively identify and reduce risks, rather than only reacting after an incident occurs.

A fundamental concept presented in the guide is that of 'probable access.' This definition allows for the inclusion of services that were not specifically designed for children and adolescents but possess attributes capable of attracting this audience and exposing them to significant risks.

The analysis takes into account three primary aspects. For example, an application may declare itself exclusive to adults, but if it offers videos, games, rewards, or forms of interaction that attract teenagers, the company's claim will not be sufficient to exempt it from the law's application.

The agency has the prerogative to analyze the actual characteristics of the service to define the applicability of the obligations. Furthermore, the ANPD clarifies that implementing age verification methods does not automatically nullify the other responsibilities stipulated in the law.

The guide emphasizes the need for efficient age verification mechanisms. A mere declaration of the user about their age or a notice in the terms of use is not sufficient to prove that the company fully complies with its obligations.

App stores and operating systems also have specific duties. One of these duties is to provide developers with information about the age range of users, assisting them in applying appropriate protective measures.

However, these mechanisms must always respect privacy. Age verification cannot be used as justification for collecting documents or personal data that exceeds what is strictly necessary.

Another crucial requirement is the adoption of more protective privacy settings by default. For children's and adolescents' accounts, companies must prioritize measures that minimize data exposure and inherent risks associated with platform use.

The guide also addresses restrictions on using minors' personal data for behavioral advertising purposes, in addition to requiring that data collection be limited to what is essential for the service's operation.

The duty of prevention is a central point highlighted by the ANPD. Companies must identify potential threats, measure the chance of harm, and implement actions to prevent or reduce such risks. Responsibility does not cease with the installation of a security tool; providers must also monitor the effectiveness of these measures and make adjustments when necessary.

Among the required actions are presenting terms of use and privacy notices in language that is simple, clear, and understandable to the youth audience. Platforms must also provide reporting channels and resources so that guardians can report risk situations.

The intention is to change the companies' approach: instead of relying solely on reports and subsequent corrective actions, protection must be considered from the product conception phase throughout its operational cycle.

The guide establishes that responsibilities will be assessed according to the specifics of each service, its size, the volume of users, and the company's capacity to influence the content and interactions offered. This allows for a proportional application of the law, without deviating from the main objective of protecting children and adolescents.

The ANPD also highlights the importance of the active participation of the companies themselves in complying with the regulations. Providers must be able to demonstrate that the adopted measures are effective and consistent with the risks of their products.

The publication serves to guide how the authority intends to conduct the application of the Digital ECA obligations. The document was improved based on contributions obtained during a public consultation held between April and June 2026, and includes practical examples, tables, and a flowchart to assist companies in identifying legal classification.

In summary, the guidance reinforces that the safety of minors on the internet cannot depend exclusively on family surveillance or voluntary initiatives by platforms; companies must also assume responsibility for the safety of the environments they build and manage.

Amazon launches installment system without card in Brazil, with up to 12 installments option
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tecnoblog.net

Amazon launches installment system without card in Brazil, with up to 12 installments option

Amazon announced to Tecnoblog that it has started offering a new installment system that does not require a card directly within its application. With this, the e-commerce platform aligns itself with rivals such as Mercado Livre and Shopee, which already provide a financing option for purchases without depending on a credit or debit card.

This new feature is in the implementation phase and may not be accessible to all users. The feature, called Amazon Credit, is displayed on both the Amazon website and app, and only account holders can request it after undergoing a credit assessment.

The documentation provided by Amazon mentions the incidence of fees and interest, but the financial details are revealed only to the end consumer. It is important to clarify that this system does not constitute a loan, but rather a balance intended for the installment payment of acquisitions.

Amazon informed that the introduction of this modality will occur gradually, advising interested parties to periodically check the availability of the option. Amazon Credit serves as an alternative to traditional purchases made with a credit card, aiming to expand purchasing possibilities, following the model adopted by competitors such as Shopee, which has SParcelado.

The credit limit and the number of installments granted vary according to each customer, and not everyone will initially receive the benefit of 12 installments. This condition may change depending on usage history and timely payment compliance.

Tecnoblog investigated that the operation of Amazon Credit is not conducted directly by Amazon. In fact, the consumer formalizes the financial agreement with Celcoin Sociedade de Crédito Direto, an entity registered under CNPJ 48.632.754/0001-90, which has authorization from the Central Bank.

There are basic criteria for those who wish to obtain Amazon Credit. According to the company, it is mandatory to be between 21 and 75 years old, have a minimum monthly income of R$1,500, and present valid documentation, in addition to residing in Brazil. All customers who have an active account on Amazon can apply for Amazon Credit, but prior approval through a credit analysis is essential.

After approval, the credit system appears on Amazon. It cannot be used for loans or for purchases on external platforms. Once activated, one simply selects this option during the payment process.

Uber launches 'Pickup Preferences' feature to assist the elderly and people with disabilities during boarding
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tecnoblog.net

Uber launches 'Pickup Preferences' feature to assist the elderly and people with disabilities during boarding

Uber introduced the 'Pickup Preferences' feature this Wednesday, October 21st, focusing on meeting the needs of the elderly and people with disabilities. This new functionality aims to simplify the boarding process, allowing these passengers to provide detailed instructions to drivers on how to locate them at the point designated by the app.

With this addition, users can specify visual characteristics to aid identification, as well as choose the preferred method for the driver to signal their arrival. For example, it is possible to request that the driver use headlights instead of honking the horn, or to call the customer by name.

The release of this feature will occur gradually for all account profiles in the coming days. This feature complements other existing accessibility tools on Uber, such as the option to indicate a disability, screen reader support, and the Senior Account, which was developed to make the app interface simpler.

The driver will automatically receive all instructions on how to find the user. The app will notify if the person uses a cane, sunglasses, crutches, walker, or wheelchair, among other items, and will indicate the preferred communication method upon arrival. For the customer, they just need to configure everything directly in the app so that Uber knows how to act in all situations.

Identification markers are customizable, but it is possible to activate multiple types of alerts for the driver's arrival. Options include calling the customer's name, initiating contact via the app, turning on lights, or using the horn.

Furthermore, other accessibility settings remain available. The Senior Account, for example, optimizes icons and adjusts buttons to provide a better experience for the elderly, while screen reading features, such as Talkback and VoiceOver, also operate in the app. The Uber app also allows the user to report any disability or identify themselves as a guide dog owner.

Customers with disabilities are entitled to exemption from waiting fees, unlike other users, who can request reimbursement for these costs. The procedure to activate the new feature is uncomplicated and can be done entirely within the app itself. Additionally, the company assures assistance for other accessibility issues not initially covered, maintaining a psychological support channel available for cases of discrimination experienced during rides.

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