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Brazil sues Discord for 500 million reais over child safety failures
The Brazilian government, through the Attorney General of the Union (AGU), has filed a lawsuit against the communication platform Discord in federal court. The legal action seeks 500 million reais (approximately 83 million euros) in damages for collective moral harm, citing failures in protecting vulnerable groups, including children, adolescents, and women.
The lawsuit was triggered by several incidents, most notably the suicide of a 13-year-old girl during a live broadcast on the platform in July. Authorities also highlighted the platform's failure to meet Brazilian legal requirements, such as the Digital Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA Digital). The government described certain areas of the platform as “digital cracklands” and “digital safaris” where illegal behaviors and violence are permitted.
In addition to financial penalties, the government is seeking structural changes to Discord's governance. This includes demands for strengthened parental controls, improved age verification systems, and the implementation of automated tools to detect and remove dangerous content. The São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office has also filed a separate structural civil action to ensure permanent and verifiable safety mechanisms.
Discord has responded by stating that the legal action is “disproportionate” and does not accurately reflect its commitment to safety and compliance with Brazilian law. The company noted that it had engaged in negotiations with the AGU to reach a Conduct Adjustment Term, but claimed the government ended those discussions prematurely.
Entities
Advocacia-Geral da União · Attorney General of the Union · Brazil · Discord · Jorge Messias · Justiça Federal de Brasília · Ministério Público de São Paulo · Polícia Federal · São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 7 SOURCES] The Brazilian government filed a lawsuit against Discord seeking 500 million reais in damages. atento.com.do · worldstockmarket.net · fastcompanybrasil.com · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · imprensapublica.com.br · +2 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The legal action follows the suicide of a 13-year-old girl during a live broadcast on the platform. atento.com.do · worldstockmarket.net · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The São Paulo Public Prosecutor's Office filed a structural civil public action against Discord to restructure its governance and safety mechanisms. rapidonoar.com.br
- [● 4 SOURCES] Discord stated that the government's legal action is disproportionate and does not accurately reflect its focus on safety and compliance. atento.com.do · www.brasilemfolhas.com.br · imprensapublica.com.br · worldstockmarket.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 15 people reported to the Civil Police of Pará regarding the sexual exposure of adolescents in a Discord community. news.folhadoprogresso.com.br
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The lawsuit requests that Discord strengthen parental controls and implement automated tools to detect dangerous content. atento.com.do