Brazil's data protection authority (ANPD) has ordered the messaging platform Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature, known as "Go Live." The decision stems from an investigation into allegations that a 13-year-old girl was pressured to take her own life during a livestream on the service.
The ANPD initiated its investigation on August 7, following the death of the teenager. According to reports, other users on the Discord server allegedly encouraged her suicide. Discord allows users to create and join groups based on shared interests and can facilitate real-time voice and video communication.
A spokesperson for Discord stated that the company is "thoughtfully reviewing" the ANPD's order and is "committed to user safety." The company emphasized that groups or individuals promoting violence have no place on its platform. "We swiftly investigated and shut down the private, invite-only server involved shortly after its creation and continue to cooperate with law enforcement in its investigation," the spokesperson added.
External reports indicate that the ANPD found Discord lacks real-time access to livestream content, hindering automated detection of violations. Discord, which has over 200 million monthly active users and is popular among gamers, can be accessed via desktop or mobile app.
Discord's spokesperson also noted that evidence suggested the criminal activity was coordinated on other platforms before the Discord server was created and continued even after the individuals involved were banned. Five teenagers have reportedly been arrested in connection with the girl's death.
Discord has three days to comply with the suspension order and has 10 business days to appeal the decision. The platform could face potential fines of up to 50 million reais (approximately $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, which may include age verification.
This action against Discord follows a similar situation in August 2024 when the social media platform X was temporarily banned in Brazil for failing to pay existing fines and appoint a legal representative. X was later unbanned in October 2024 after complying with court orders, including paying fines and agreeing to appoint a local representative.