CADE highlights agency’s strategies for competition defence in digital markets

On 16 January, the newspaper Folha de S. Paulo published an interview with Gustavo Augusto, president of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), who emphasised the importance of a technical, firm and dialogue-oriented actions to deal with competitive challenges, especially in digital markets.

According to the president, CADE is open to negotiation and development of consensual solutions, while preserving the legal instruments necessary to curb abuses of economic power, ensuring fair competition.

He also pointed out that the advancement of digital platforms requires institutional responses capable of ensuring competitive equality and legal certainty, while preserving innovation, as well as market dynamism. In this context, Mr Gustavo assessed that legislative proposals under discussion in the Brazilian Congress could expand CADE's powers, including the adoption of general rules applicable to economic agents in the digital environment.

In addition, the president reinforced how the authority’s effectiveness in negotiating solutions, such as agreements signed with companies in the technology sector, which contributes regulating conducts and promoting competition. In 2025, CADE signed a record number of agreements, reinforcing the role of regulatory dialogue as an instrument of efficiency and predictability for the market.

Mr Gustavo highlighted that the authority's actions are guided by technical criteria, without any discriminations based on the origin, size or nationality of companies, stating that the goal is to prevent abuses of dominant positions in any economic sector.

Finally, when addressing impacts of artificial intelligence and new market dynamics, he said that CADE is closely monitoring changes, with analyses based on evidence and aligned with best international practices. Click here to read more!