The recent conviction of Google to pay over R$ 50,000 in damages to a consumer for issues related to a game purchased via Google Play raises an alert for companies that intermediate digital services and products. The judicial decision was based on the fact that the game developer did not have a headquarters in Brazil, which prevented the consumer from seeking redress directly from the responsible company. As a result, the platform was considered part of the consumption chain and held liable for the damages suffered. However, the decision has not yet been finalized and is in the appeal stage, which means it could be annulled or modified.
This case highlights a similar risk to what occurs in the sports betting market in Brazil, which has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Many platforms partner with foreign operators with no representation in the country, which can lead to legal complications for consumers. Without a company legally established in Brazil, customers may face difficulties in claiming their rights, exposing themselves to a legal insecurity scenario similar to the recent case involving Google.
“This decision reinforces the critical role of companies that mediate digital products and services in consumer protection. Based on the Consumer Protection Code, when a platform participates in the consumption chain, it must ensure that its partners have a legal structure that guarantees the rights of the customer. The lack of this security can result in financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation,” explains Priscila Condeli, Head of Legal Ops at DeltaAI.
