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Big Techs Accuse Central Bank of Unfair Competition in Pix. American Entity Questions BC’s Actions and Points Out Risks of Exclusion of the Private Sector
The debate over Pix has taken new turns after a representative of big techs accused the Central Bank of promoting unfair competition. According to a document obtained by Folha de S. Paulo, the complaint was forwarded to the United States government by the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), an entity that brings together technology giants, card brands, and the Swift payment system.
The report, signed by Brazilian Husani Durans de Jesus, states that the Central Bank operates Pix and, at the same time, decides who can participate in the market, which creates a conflict of interest. The complaint was presented to the USTR (Office of the United States Trade Representative), which is evaluating alleged anti-competitive practices in Brazil.
What is at Stake
According to the ITI, the Central Bank should separate its regulatory function from the direct operation of Pix. The entity argues that by requiring mandatory investments, imposing highlighted rules in apps, and retaining sensitive data from companies, the BC ends up competing with the companies it regulates.
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However, Brazilian competition law experts dispute this narrative. For them, Pix is a public, free infrastructure open to any participant who meets the technical and legal requirements. “It’s not about competition, but about public policy for efficiency and inclusion,” evaluates lawyer Ricardo Botelho, interviewed by the report.
Impact on American Companies
The document cites cases such as that of Apple, which was excluded from Pix due to not having formally requested authorization from the BC. For the ITI, this shows a lack of regulatory flexibility and a risk of exclusion of the private sector.
Despite the criticisms, the numbers show that Pix closed 2024 with 63.8 billion transactions, establishing itself as the most used payment method in Brazil. This represents not only the popularity of the system but also its strategic relevance for financial inclusion.
Other Criticisms Beyond Pix
The ITI also expanded its attack to other areas of Brazilian regulation. The document mentions the decision of the STF that holds platforms responsible for illegal content, in addition to the expansion of Anatel’s oversight over data centers and e-commerce. According to the entity, these measures create “disproportionate burdens” for American companies.
On the other hand, Brazilian organizations such as Data Privacy Brasil claim that the complaint has no legal basis and call for the nullification of the investigation. So far, the USTR has received more than 250 submissions from entities and citizens of both countries.
What is at Stake for Brazil and the USA
The episode reveals a larger confrontation over digital sovereignty and financial market regulation. While big techs push for more flexible rules, the Central Bank and the Brazilian government defend that Pix is a public policy aimed at inclusion and fair competition among companies operating in the country.
The dispute could influence future trade negotiations between Brazil and the United States, especially on topics such as artificial intelligence, taxation of large platforms and combating piracy in the technology sector.
Do you believe that the Central Bank should relax the rules of Pix or maintain the current model as a public policy for inclusion? Leave your opinion in the comments and participate in the debate.
Concordo plenamente com o Tio Sam, o Brasil impõe imposto de importação de 60% mais 20% de imposto em cima de TODAS as importações americanas, agora tá chorando porque tomou 50% na cabeça. Povo brasileiro é muito **** mesmo, deveria chorar é pra reduzir esses impostos ridículos que nos impõem esses corruptos de Brasília.
É verdade, coitada da iniciativa privada. O Uber devia entrar com um processo pra acabar com o transporte público também, é concorrência desleal as pessoas andarem de ônibus.
Tô com o Brasil, o PIX tá ok do jeito que tá! Tá achando ruim só não usar!