Key facts
- Brazil's data protection authority (ANPD) ordered Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature.
- The order follows the death of a 13-year-old girl allegedly encouraged to take her own life on the platform.
- Discord has three days to comply with the suspension and faces potential fines of up to $9.67 million per violation.
- The ANPD cited Discord's lack of real-time access to livestream content as a reason for the order.
- The suspension will remain until Discord implements adequate protective measures for minors.
Brazil's data protection authority (ANPD) has ordered Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature following allegations that users were encouraged to take their own lives on the platform. The order stems from the death of a 13-year-old girl who was reportedly pressured by others in a Discord group.
The ANPD initiated its investigation on August 7. The authority stated that Discord lacks real-time access to livestream content, which hinders the detection of violations. Discord, which has over 200 million monthly active users, is popular among gamers and accessible via desktop and mobile app.
A Discord spokesperson indicated that the company is reviewing the ANPD's order and is committed to user safety. The spokesperson noted that evidence suggested the criminal activity was coordinated on other platforms before the Discord server was created and continued after individuals were banned. Five teenagers have reportedly been arrested in connection with the girl's death.
Discord has three days to comply with the suspension and may appeal the decision within 10 business days. The platform faces potential fines of up to 50 million reais ($9.67 million) per violation. The ANPD stated the suspension will remain in effect until Discord demonstrates it has implemented adequate protective measures for minors, such as age verification.