France has in particular called out Russian activities in Africa, saying that Moscow-linked actors have tried to discredit Paris in West Africa, saturating regular media and social media.

The laws broadly align with efforts by Europe to curb damaging online content, which are due to take effect by the end of 2022.

Seven of the panel's 11 senators voted to endorse the text which also calls for the indictment of 77 other people, including several ministers and three of Bolsonaro's children.

The Google-owned video platform says it relies on 'expert consensus from health organisations'.

Once the paper is published, the damage is irrevocable, says one expert.

Twitter and Facebook are trying to limit the spreading of an avalanche of conspiracy theories.