Kathmandu— Brazil's National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) has ordered messaging platform Discord to halt its livestreaming feature within three business days, following the death of a 13-year-old girl who investigators say was encouraged to take her own life during a broadcast on the service in July. The ANPD cited evidence that Discord failed to implement reasonable measures to protect children and teenagers from content promoting violence, self-harm, and suicide, highlighting deficiencies in real-time monitoring and age verification systems. Five teenagers and one adult have been detained in connection with the case, while another vulnerable minor was reportedly rescued during the investigation.

Investigation Details

Police say the 13-year-old girl was subjected to escalating violent challenges by members of an online group over approximately 45 minutes before being encouraged to die by suicide. Authorities allege that the group specifically targeted emotionally vulnerable children and teenagers, initially prompting her to harm an animal before issuing the final challenge. The investigation also revealed a separate case where another girl preparing for livestreamed self-harm was rescued.

Regulatory Concerns

The ANPD stated Discord’s “Go Live” feature will remain suspended until the company demonstrates effective safeguards are in place to protect minors. Regulators noted that Discord lacks real-time access to livestream content, relying heavily on user reports which they deemed inadequate for timely intervention. Brazil has been strengthening regulations regarding children's online safety, including requirements for age verification and parental links.

Potential Penalties and Response

Discord faces potential fines of up to 50 million reais (approximately $9.7 million or €8.4 million) per violation if irregularities are confirmed. The company has ten business days to appeal the decision. Representatives from Discord met with Brazilian authorities last Friday, submitting a plan intended to bolster protections for users under the age of 18. Brazil’s Justice Ministry and police have previously criticized Discord's moderation and age-control systems, citing instances where users were able to falsely declare their age – in one case, registering an age of 148.

Brazilian first lady Rosangela da Silva has called for a complete block of Discord within the country. The ANPD’s decision underscores growing international scrutiny of online platforms' responsibility to protect vulnerable users from harmful content.

(With inputs from DW)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.