São Paulo Court Issues Another Ruling Against Streaming Fraud Under Operation Authentica

14 October 2025 - Press release

 

A civil court in São Paulo has issued a further positive ruling against a provider of streaming manipulation services, used for streaming fraud, reinforcing the message in Brazil that streaming fraud tools are illegal.

The 17^th Civil Court ruled against the operators of TurbineDigital, who were offering fake engagement services across platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Twitch, Instagram, and others.

The decision, part of Operation Authentica led by the Consumer Protection Prosecutor’s Office and supported by CyberGaeco and IFPI Latin America, found that the company’s services violated Brazil’s Consumer Protection Act through misleading advertising (Article 37). The court cited evidence of fake accounts used in test purchases conducted by APDIF do Brasil and CyberGaeco.

The court issued a dynamic order for the permanent suspension or blocking of the domain turbinedigital.com.br and related profiles on social networks. It also ordered the defendant to refrain from offering or marketing the streaming manipulation services by any means.

Renata Martins de Carvalho, Judge of the Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo, stated in the decision: "The practice of 'fake streaming' consists of selling services to boost audiences for music and videos on streaming platforms and thus attract buyers/consumers of this service (e.g., likes, followers, shares, etc.) and, under consumer law, constitutes misleading advertising, as it misleads the user/consumer of the social network (consumer) into a false perception of reality or its actual reach."

Victoria Oakley, CEO of IFPI, said:
“This ruling is another strong step forward in the global fight against streaming fraud and further recognition that this activity harms consumers. Courts in Brazil are sending a clear message that committing fraud through fake streams, likes or followers is illegal and harms the entire music ecosystem.”

Paulo Rosa, President of Pro-Musica Brasil, said:
“Through this decision, which adds to many others in the past two years mostly, Brazilian Courts are sending a strong message against those who insist to use and/or exploit illegal services dedicated to the manipulation of music streaming, followers, likes, etc., ruling that such activities constitute pure fraud and misleading of consumers.”