Why Has Brazil Ordered Discord To Suspend Livestreaming Over Child Safety Concerns?
Brazil's data protection authority ANPD has ordered Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature over concerns that the platform is failing to adequately protect children and teenagers from content promoting violence, self-harm and suicide.
Brazil's data protection authority ANPD has ordered Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature over concerns that the platform is failing to adequately protect children and teenagers from content promoting violence, self-harm and suicide.
The ANPD issued the order on Wednesday, directing Discord to suspend its 'Go Live' feature until it can demonstrate that adequate safeguards for minors have been implemented, reported Reuters. The platform has three business days to prove compliance and could face fines of up to 50 million reais, or about USD 9.67 million, per violation.
ANPD Raises Concerns Over Discord's Safety Systems
The Brazilian authority said its investigation found that Discord does not have real-time access to livestreamed content, limiting its ability to automatically detect potential violations. Trump Administration Bans Medicaid Funding for Minor Gender-Affirming Care Starting October 13.
According to ANPD, the platform instead relies on systems it considers inadequate as well as user reports to identify harmful content.
The agency also said Discord made changes to its 'Go Live' feature in early March, after Brazil's child digital protection law came into force, that reduced protections for minors. Donald Trump Warns FIFA Against Replacing Embattled President Gianni Infantino.
Investigation Followed Incident Involving 13-Year-Old
The ANPD investigation began last Friday following an incident involving a 13-year-old girl, whom investigators said was persuaded by others in an online group to take her own life.
The authority cited the incident while examining Discord's safeguards and its ability to prevent minors from being exposed to harmful material and interactions on the platform.
Discord Calls Decision 'Premature'
Discord said the ANPD's decision was 'premature' and said the company continues to work to identify the individuals responsible for the incident under investigation.
The company can appeal the suspension within 10 business days. A further appeal to the ANPD's board is also possible.
The suspension will remain in place until Discord demonstrates that it has implemented measures considered adequate by the Brazilian authority to protect children and teenagers using its livestreaming service.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 11:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).