Discord, the popular communication platform for gamers, announced on Monday that it has halted its livestreaming services in Brazil. This decision follows criticism concerning the company’s perceived failure to shield minors from harm, highlighted by a recent suicide case.
Under the leadership of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil’s government and Supreme Court have been exploring ways to regulate internet use by minors. These efforts align with initiatives in other countries like Australia, Canada, and Indonesia.
The Brazilian national agency of data protection had ordered the suspension last week, prompting Discord to initiate discussions aimed at reinstating its services in the country. The company emphasized its commitment to collaborating with Brazilian policymakers to ensure safer online experiences.
A suicide draws attention to digital protections for minors
In a tragic incident in July, a young girl in Mato Grosso do Sul reportedly took her own life during a livestreaming session on Discord. This incident has intensified scrutiny of the platform’s safety measures.
Brazil’s first lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, publicly called for the platform’s removal, stating, “I can’t accept seeing a 13-year-old girl self-harming live on the internet, on Discord, hanging herself and dying.” Her comments came as President Lula signed a law to increase penalties for sexual violence against minors.
Following the girl’s death, five teenagers were arrested, as announced by Brazil’s justice ministry on August 4.
The national data protection agency criticized the use of livestreams for facilitating harmful activities and cited inadequate preventive measures by Discord against exposure to violent content.
Discord, serving over 90 million daily users globally, maintains that it does not tolerate any promotion of violence on its platform and denied that the incident was broadcast live. The company highlighted its efforts to maintain user safety and dismantle groups promoting harmful behaviors.
Discord complaints surge as Brazil confronts online threats to children and teens
Reports have linked Discord to various investigations worldwide, involving violence and exploitation. Safernet Brazil, a nonprofit advocating for internet safety, reported a 54% increase in complaints related to Discord in the first half of the year compared to the same period last year.
Thiago Tavares, president of Safernet Brazil, described the recent suicide case as part of a troubling pattern, emphasizing the need for accountability under Brazil’s digital law.
However, Thiago Ayub from Sage Networks criticized the suspension decision, suggesting it might drive users towards less monitored platforms, potentially reducing protection for minors.
Brazil’s internet regulations put pressure on Discord, X and other platforms
Brazil has implemented laws to enhance online protection for minors, requiring those under 16 to link accounts to a guardian and mandating stronger age verification processes.
Discord has responded by planning age assurance measures to comply with these regulations, despite earlier user privacy concerns.
The U.S. has accused Brazil of unfairly targeting American social media companies, which has influenced trade decisions, including tariffs on Brazilian goods.
Earlier in 2024, Brazil’s Supreme Court ordered the suspension of X, a network owned by Elon Musk, due to non-compliance with directives to eliminate disinformation-spreading accounts.
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