Brazil's data protection authority, the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), on Wednesday ordered the online messaging platform Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature in the country within three business days. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over the platform's failure to protect children and teenagers from content promoting violence, self-harm, and suicide.
The measure was issued following the death of a 13-year-old girl who, according to investigators, was encouraged to harm herself and take her own life during a livestream on the platform. The ANPD stated that "live streams have been repeatedly used to facilitate violence, harassment, and the incitement of self-harm and suicide," citing "robust evidence that the company failed to adopt reasonable measures" to safeguard minors.
The regulator said Discord's "Go Live" feature would remain suspended until the company can demonstrate effective technical, security, and governance safeguards for minors. The ANPD noted that Discord lacks real-time access to livestream content, limiting its ability to automatically detect violations and leaving it reliant on user reports and other systems deemed inadequate.
Discord has 10 business days to appeal the decision. If irregularities are confirmed, the company could face fines of up to 50 million reais ($9.7 million, €8.4 million) per violation.
Police reported that the 13-year-old girl was encouraged during a roughly 45-minute livestream in July to harm herself and then die by suicide. Authorities say members of an online group first encouraged her to carry out escalating violent "challenges," including harming an animal, before challenging her to broadcast her own suicide on Discord.
Police allege the group deliberately sought out emotionally vulnerable children and teenagers. Five teenagers and one adult were detained in connection with the case. Another girl, who was allegedly preparing to take her own life during a livestream, was also rescued during the investigation.
Brazil's Justice Ministry and police have criticized Discord's moderation and age-control systems. One official said one person involved in the case had been able to register an age of 148 using the platform's self-declaration system.
Brazilian first lady Rosangela "Janja" da Silva last week called for Discord to be completely blocked in the country following the teenager's death. Discord representatives met Brazilian authorities on Friday and later submitted a plan aimed at strengthening protections for users under 18.
Brazil has tightened rules governing children's use of online platforms, including requirements on age verification and parental links for younger users. The case has sparked national outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness of self-regulatory measures by tech companies.
Source: www.dw.com