Discord suspends Brazil livestreams after suicide raises child protection concerns

RIO DE JANEIRO — Discord, the well-known platform for gamers to communicate online, announced on Monday that it has suspended livestreams in Brazil following criticism over its failure to protect children and adolescents. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic suicide case. Brazil's government, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the country's Supreme Court have been attempting to regulate the use of the internet by minors, with results that have been mixed so far.

This is particularly significant at a time when countries such as Australia, Canada, and Indonesia are also implementing similar measures. The decision was prompted by an order from Brazil's national agency of data protection to suspend the service last week. The U.S.-based company further stated that it is currently in discussions "to seek a solution that allows us to reestablish those resources for our users in Brazil."

Discord remains committed to collaborating with public policymakers in Brazil to create a safer online experience for all, both on Discord and across the internet, according to the platform. The issue of suicide has brought attention to the need for stronger digital protections for minors. In July, an underage girl from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul was alluded to have taken her own life, further highlighting the importance of this issue.