The instant messaging platform Discord suspended its real-time video features in Brazil today (18) in compliance with an order from the Brazilian government following the death of a 13-year-old girl.
In a statement sent to Lusa, the platform said it is in discussions with Brazil’s data protection regulator, the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), in an effort to restore the features.
According to Discord, the platform remains available in Brazil, and the order does not affect text and audio communications, including direct messages, group chats and servers. Other features that do not rely on video or screen sharing also remain available.
The suspension covers all real-time video communication features across all areas and channels of the platform, according to additional information released by the company.
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Discord said it is actively engaging “with the ANPD in search of a solution that will allow” the features to be restored for users in Brazil and reiterated its commitment to working with authorities to create a safer online experience.
The suspension follows an order issued by the ANPD last week requiring Discord to halt live broadcasts in Brazil until it demonstrates that it has adopted adequate measures to protect children and teenagers.
The decision was made as part of an investigation into the platform’s safeguards for minors following the death of a 13-year-old girl.
According to police investigations, the teenager was allegedly encouraged to engage in self-harm and suicide during group broadcasts on the platform.
The case attracted national attention and led Brazilian First Lady Janja da Silva, two weeks ago, to call for the platform to be blocked in Brazil and urge the government to take action.
Discord, however, disputed the characterization made by the ANPD, saying it does not tolerate groups or individuals who promote or encourage violence. According to the company, it investigated a private server where individuals allegedly involved in criminal activities encouraged self-harm, and the server was removed before the teenager’s death.
Discord said the server was invite-only and could not be discovered by other users on the platform. It added that it has teams dedicated to dismantling groups, removing content that violates its policies and taking action against malicious users.
The company also said it has specialized teams that seek to identify users considered high-risk threats, identify potential victims and mitigate risky behavior by removing people and content.
In a statement released last week, the ANPD said the suspension of live broadcasts “will remain in effect until the platform demonstrates the implementation and effectiveness of technical, security and governance measures appropriate to the risks identified for children and teenagers.”
If violations are found, the ANPD may order corrective measures and impose sanctions, including fines of up to 50 million Brazilian reais (8.44 million euros).
