Discord suspends Brazilian livestreams after data regulator flags child safety breaches

Discord announced the suspension of its livestream function in Brazil after the country's data protection agency found the service lacking in protecting children and adolescents. The decision follows a July incident in which a 13-year-old girl in Mato Grosso do Sul allegedly took her own life during a livestream, leading to public outcry and a statement from First lady Rosângela Lula da Silva demanding the platform be shut down.

Five teenagers were detained for their role in the tragedy, and the agency warned that livestreams have been used to promote violence and self-harm. Discord denied that the fatal incident was broadcast live, but said it had shut down a private server linked to the case and is working with Brazilian policymakers to meet safety requirements. Complaints about the platform in Brazil rose 54% year-on-year, and new national laws now require robust age-verification and guardian oversight for minors online.