Brazil Sues Discord Over Child Safety Failures

Brazil is suing Discord, demanding 500 million reais (about USD 97 million) in damages. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, alleges that the platform failed to protect children online, citing collective psychological harm. This action follows a suicide in July linked to the platform, intensifying scrutiny on online safety for minors.

The government's 25-page filing highlights significant gaps in Discord's age verification and user safety measures. It asserts that the company directly violated Brazilian laws concerning special protections for vulnerable groups, including children and teenagers.

Beyond financial damages, Brazil is seeking court orders for Discord to immediately strengthen parental controls and expand cooperation with local law enforcement. The company is also urged to deploy automated tools to identify and remove dangerous content. This legal pressure is occurring while similar lawsuits are active against Discord in several U.S. states.

Brazilian authorities have been working to regulate internet use by minors. The nation's first lady had previously called for the platform to be taken offline, referencing the tragic suicide case. Five teenagers were arrested in connection with that death, underscoring the gravity of the situation.