AI Generated Image
Discord halts livestreams in Brazil after watchdog cites child safety failures
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- Discord suspended its livestream services in Brazil following criticism over inadequate protection for children and adolescents, prompted by a recent suicide case involving a 13-year-old girl coerced during a livestream.
- Brazil's data protection agency ordered the suspension, citing evidence that Discord failed to prevent exposure to harmful content that violated minors' rights, including incitement to violence and self-harm.
- The platform denied that the suicide was broadcast live and emphasized its commitment to user safety, stating it had shut down a private server linked to encouraging self-harm prior to the incident.
- Brazil has introduced new internet regulations requiring age verification and parental supervision for minors on social media, aiming to enhance online safety, but enforcement challenges remain.
- The case has intensified scrutiny of Discord and other platforms in Brazil, with increasing complaints about online threats to children and debates over the effectiveness of regulatory actions.
