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Companies Say They Collaborate While Agency Seeks Justice for Blocking
The National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) filed a request in court to block the websites of Amazon and Mercado Livre. The extreme measure is justified by the recurring sale of pirated cell phones on both platforms.
According to Anatel, the devices sold lack certification and do not meet the technical criteria required for sale in Brazil.
The agency accuses the companies of not effectively combating illegal ads, preferring to hold the platforms directly responsible.
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Impact on Millions of Brazilians
If the court accepts the request, millions of Brazilians who shop online will be directly harmed. Amazon and Mercado Livre are among the main access channels to consumer goods in the country, especially in regions with limited physical retail.
In addition to consumers, thousands of people who work directly and indirectly with these platforms would also be affected.
This includes small sellers, delivery people, logistics, technology, and customer service companies. The economic impact would be broad and disproportionate given the issue highlighted by Anatel.
Lack of Control Concerns the Agency
Anatel states that it is easy to find pirated cell phones for sale on both platforms. Laptops and other non-certified electronics also frequently appear.
The agency says it uses intelligence studies and new technologies to identify illegal products.
According to Alexandre Freire, Anatel’s counselor and task force leader, sellers use digital techniques to camouflage the items.
Even with penalties previously applied, Anatel believes the problem persists. The current cap on penalties, set at R$ 50 million, is considered low given the companies’ revenue.
Companies Respond and Claim to Collaborate
Both Amazon and Mercado Livre assert that they comply with legal requirements. In a statement to the site TecMundo, Amazon stated that it requires licenses from sellers and supports combating the sale of uncertified cell phones.
Mercado Livre, in response to Folha de S. Paulo, said that it works to remove irregular products and notifies sellers when necessary. The company also claims to collaborate with Anatel.
Anatel stated that it can only take the sites offline with judicial authorization. The agency said that this procedure is necessary to prevent companies from using the measure against it in the legal dispute.
