Brazil Sues Discord Over Child Safety

Brazil's government has filed a federal lawsuit seeking 500 million reais (about $97 million) in damages from Discord for alleged failures to protect children online, citing gaps in age verification and user safeguards. The case follows a July death of a 13-year-old in Brazil linked to violent conduct on the platform, and Brazil’s authorities had previously ordered Discord to suspend livestreaming in the country. The dispute also demands that Discord strengthen parental controls, improve cooperation with local law enforcement, and deploy automated tools to detect and remove dangerous content, with regulators framing these measures as necessary to protect minors and women online. Brazil’s action aligns with broader regulatory pressure on social media platforms, including other countries pursuing stricter youth protections and the ANPD’s recent enforcement actions, such as the TikTok fine. Discord has defended itself, saying its safety efforts and compliance with Brazilian law are proportional and ongoing. Five teenagers and an adult have been arrested in connection with the suicide case, highlighting the perceived risks on live-streaming features.