Discord suspends livestreams in Brazil amid backlash over girl's suicide

Discord has suspended its livestreaming functionality in Brazil amid significant backlash concerning the platform's role in protecting children and adolescents. The move follows intense scrutiny after an alleged incident where a minor was coerced into committing suicide during a livestream.

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We remain committed to working with public policymakers in Brazil to help create an online experience that is safer for all, on Discord and across the internet.

Brazil's national data protection agency ordered the suspension last week, citing "robust evidence" that the company had not sufficiently mitigated risks of exposure to content that violates the rights of children and adolescents, particularly concerning incitement to violence, self-harm, and suicide. The U.S.-based company stated it is in discussions to find a solution for reinstating the feature for its Brazilian users.

This action occurs as Brazil's government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and its Supreme Court have been attempting to regulate internet use among minors. The issue gained prominence when Brazil's first lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, known as Janja, publicly decried the platform after the July incident, calling for it to be taken offline. "I can't accept seeing a 13-year-old girl self-harming live on the internet, on Discord, hanging herself and dying," she stated.

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I can't accept seeing a 13-year-old girl self-harming live on the internet, on Discord, hanging herself and dying.

Five teenagers were arrested in connection with the girl's death. Discord, which boasts over 90 million daily active users globally, has stated that groups promoting violence have no place on its platform. The company has also asserted that the July case was not shown live, though it remains committed to working with policymakers to enhance online safety.

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