Well, the ANPD—Brazil's National Data Protection Authority—has just sent a clear message: the time for "we'll deal with it later" is over.
One of the country's major telecom operators is in the crosshairs. The reason? It shared over 100 data points per customer with a credit analysis firm—without transparency, without limits, and without proper consent. If the violations are confirmed, the fine could reach $50 million (R$ 50 million) per infraction, or 2% of the company's annual revenue.
And it doesn't stop there. Brazil recently recorded 314.8 billion cyberattack attempts, and the ANPD is actively enforcing regulations, with a 37% increase in complaints against small and medium-sized enterprises. Data protection is no longer just a competitive advantage—it is a minimum requirement for survival.
The question is no longer whether your company will face inspection. It is when—and whether you will have the money to foot the bill.
🚨 The ANPD's Message: Less Talk, More Fines
The ANPD has undergone a radical transformation. It has shifted from being a predominantly advisory body to becoming a full-fledged regulatory agency with expanded powers for oversight and the imposition of penalties.
What does this mean in practice?
- Less tolerance: Security incidents now land directly on the authority's radar.
- More active enforcement: The ANPD no longer waits for companies to self-regulate. It takes the initiative.
- Real sanctions: Fines, database blocks, and the suspension of operations are real possibilities. The ANPD’s 2026–2027 Priority Themes Map makes it clear: the focus is on security incidents and high-risk data processing. If your company collects, stores, or processes personal data, you are in the crosshairs.
💰 The Potential Bill: Up to US$ 50 Million
The maximum LGPD fine is 2% of the company's annual revenue—capped at R$ 50 million (approximately US$ 50 million) per violation.
For a company with annual revenue of R$ 5 million, this means a fine of R$ 100,000 for a serious violation. For a giant corporation, the amount could reach the R$ 50 million ceiling.
But the fine is just the tip of the iceberg:
- Daily fine: Up to R$ 50,000 for each day of non-compliance.
- Data blocking: The ANPD can partially or fully suspend database operations.
- Public exposure: Violations can be made public, causing incalculable reputational damage.
- Lawsuits: Victims of data breaches can sue your company for moral and material damages.
The real cost of non-compliance isn't found in a fine calculation spreadsheet. It lies in operational chaos, customer loss, and reputational destruction.
🇪🇺 A Scary Comparison: US$ 1.42 Billion in Fines in Europe
Brazil isn't alone in this. Europe has been enforcing the GDPR for years, and the figures are staggering.
In 2025, European authorities issued fines totaling approximately €1.2 billion (US$ 1.42 billion) in penalties. The largest fine of the year was €530 million (US$ 625 million), levied against a social media giant for violating international data transfer rules. Since the GDPR came into effect in 2018, the cumulative total of fines has surpassed €7.1 billion (US$8.4 billion). Data breach notifications have risen by 22%, reaching an average of 443 notifications per day.
The trend is clear: enforcement will not slow down. It will intensify. And Brazil is following the exact same path.
⚡ The Claro Case: The First Shot in a Series
The proceedings against Claro and Serasa mark a turning point in the ANPD’s new stance.
The alleged violations are serious:
- Excessive data sharing: More than 100 data points per customer were shared.
- Lack of transparency: Customers were not adequately informed.
- Difficulty accessing the data officer: The company’s DPO was not accessible.
Claro and Serasa have terminated their contract. However, the enforcement proceedings continue. And Serasa—the company with the highest number of complaints filed with the ANPD—is under scrutiny.
The message is unequivocal: no company is above the law. Not the giants. Not those with powerful legal departments. Not those that have "always done it this way."
📋 72 Hours: The Deadline That Can Save (or Sink) Your Company
ANPD Resolution No. 15/2024 established mandatory deadlines for security incident notifications:
- 3 business days to notify the ANPD of a data breach.
- 6 business days for small businesses.
Failure to meet this deadline results in fines and public disclosure, amplifying reputational damage.
In practice, this means your company needs:
- A tested and ready incident response plan.
- Fast and transparent communication channels with the ANPD.
- The ability to assess, within hours, whether an incident requires notification.
If you don't have this in place, the clock is already ticking.
💡 The New Competitive Edge: Trust
Here is the upside.
Companies that treat data protection as a strategic asset are reaping the rewards:
- Greater customer trust: Brands that protect data are preferred.
- Lower regulatory risks: Continuous compliance means fewer surprises.
- Higher market value: Companies with strong data governance are valued more highly.
Data protection is no longer just a cost. It is an investment in reputation, trust, and longevity.
As experts say: "By 2026, the LGPD will no longer be a competitive differentiator: it will be a minimum requirement for regulatory survival."
🛡️ The Action Plan: How to Avoid Being the Next Victim
The ANPD has already concluded at least nine administrative sanctioning proceedings for LGPD violations. And it is just getting started.
If your company is not yet compliant, the time to act is now:
1. Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO)
This is mandatory for companies that process large amounts of data. And the DPO needs to be accessible.
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Data Mapping
Know what data you collect, where it is stored, and how it is used.
3. Update Privacy Policies
Be transparent with your customers about data usage.
4. Obtain Explicit Consent
Especially for sensitive data, such as health and biometric information.
5. Implement an Incident Response Plan
Test it regularly. Train your team.
6. Monitor Continuously
ANPD enforcement is active. Don't wait to be notified.
7. Train Your Team
Compliance isn't just for IT or Legal. It’s everyone's responsibility.
💡 Conclusion: The Future of LGPD Is Now
The ANPD has become a regulatory agency. Fines can reach US$ 50 million. Breach notifications are mandatory within 72 hours. And enforcement is more active than ever.
The question is no longer whether your company will face inspection. It is when—and whether you’ll have the money to foot the bill.
The good news? Data protection is a competitive advantage. Companies that take a proactive approach earn customer trust, reduce risks, and stand out in the market.
The bad news? The time for "we'll deal with it later" has passed.
Claro is facing legal action. Serasa is under investigation. And the ANPD has its eye on everyone.
Including you.
📌 Has your company appointed a DPO? Have you mapped all the data you collect? Have you tested your incident response plan? If the answer to any of these questions is "no," you are in the ANPD's crosshairs. Share this post with your compliance and governance team. The first step toward avoiding a US$ 50 million fine is recognizing that the risk is real.
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