Brazil Orders Discord to Suspend Livestreaming After Teen Suicide Encouraged on Platform

Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has ordered the online messaging platform Discord to halt its livestreaming feature within three business days. The stringent measure comes after the platform was found to be inadequate in protecting children and teenagers from content that promotes violence, self-harm, and suicide.

The ANPD's decision was prompted by the tragic death of a 13-year-old girl. Investigators believe she was encouraged to harm herself and ultimately take her own life during a livestream session on Discord. The authority stated that livestreaming has been repeatedly exploited to facilitate violence, harassment, and incitement to self-harm and suicide.

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Live streams have been repeatedly used to facilitate violence, harassment, and the incitement of self-harm and suicide.

Officials cited "robust evidence that the company failed to adopt reasonable measures" to safeguard minors. The "Go Live" feature will remain suspended until Discord can prove it has implemented effective technical, security, and governance safeguards for underage users. The platform has 10 business days to appeal the decision and could face significant fines if violations are confirmed.

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robust evidence that the company failed to adopt reasonable measures

Authorities detailed that the 13-year-old girl was allegedly coerced during a 45-minute livestream in July to engage in escalating violent "challenges," including harming an animal, before being pushed to broadcast her own suicide. Police indicated that the group deliberately targeted emotionally vulnerable children and teenagers. Five teenagers and one adult were detained in connection with the case, and another girl allegedly preparing to take her own life during a livestream was rescued.

Brazilian authorities, including the Justice Ministry and police, have criticized Discord's moderation and age-control systems. Concerns were raised about the ease with which users could misrepresent their age. Brazil's first lady also called for a complete block of Discord in the country. Discord representatives have met with Brazilian authorities and submitted a plan to enhance user protections.

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The regulator said Discord's "Go Live" feature would remain suspended until the company could demonstrate that effective technical, security and governance safeguards for minors were in place.