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[INTERNATIONAL] · Brazil · 14 sources

Discord under investigation in Brazil over child protection failures

The National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) has launched an investigation into the Discord platform to determine if it failed to protect children and adolescents. The probe follows a tragic incident on July 22, where a 13-year-old girl's self-harm and suicide were broadcast live on the platform.

The investigation will assess whether Discord violated the Digital Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA Digital), specifically regarding its ability to prevent exposure to harmful content, verify user ages, and remove irregular content. Discord has been given five business days to provide information on its prevention mechanisms. Potential penalties for violations include fines of up to R$ 50 million.

Simultaneously, the Attorney General of the Union (AGU) has met with Discord representatives to discuss security failures. Attorney General Jorge Messias stated that the AGU may file a lawsuit to request the platform be removed from service in Brazil. The suicide case is also being investigated by the Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul under Operation Lívia, which is looking into criminal groups that use virtual communities to manipulate and coerce minors.

Entities

Advocacia-Geral da União · Agência Nacional de Proteção de Dados · Attorney General of the Union · Brazil · Discord · Jorge Messias · Mato Grosso do Sul · National Data Protection Agency · Polícia Civil de Mato Grosso do Sul

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