Discord suspends livestreams to comply with Brazil’s requirements
Discord announced that it had suspended, for an indefinite period, users’ ability to stream videos on the app.
The preventive suspension of this feature was ordered by the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on August 12. The measure was imposed to curb incidents of violence and coercion against minors under 18, such as the case involving a 13-year-old girl who took her own life on July 22.
“In compliance with the ANPD’s order, we have suspended Discord’s video features in Brazil,” the company stated in a press release issued on Monday (Aug. 17), when the deadline set by the regulatory authority for compliance with the order expired.
According to the company, the suspension of livestreams and video sharing does not affect text and audio communications or other platform features. The company also said it is “in dialogue” with ANPD representatives to find a solution that will allow it to restore video streaming for users in Brazil.
“Video is an important and highly valued part of the Discord experience, allowing our users to communicate and form meaningful connections by sharing experiences, playing games together, and staying in touch with friends and family,” Discord added.
The company described the death of the teenager from Naviraí as “a devastating case” resulting from a “very serious situation” - a “coordinated campaign of extreme violence carried out across multiple digital platforms.”
As Agência Brasil reported, the ANPD ordered the platform to temporarily suspend livestreams and video sharing in Brazil after the Superintendence of Inspection identified shortcomings in user protection, particularly for children and adolescents.
“The precautionary measure to suspend the livestreaming feature was ordered by the Superintendence of Inspection based on robust evidence that the company failed to take reasonable measures to prevent and mitigate the risks of access to, exposure to, recommendation of, or facilitation of contact with content or practices that constitute serious violations of the rights of children and adolescents within the scope of its service,” explained the regulatory agency responsible for ensuring the proper protection of personal data and enforcing the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (ECA Digital).
