Brazil’s government said Wednesday it had taken Discord to federal court, seeking 500 million reais (about $97 million) over what it calls a failure to protect children on the gaming chat platform. The Associated Press, from São Paulo, said the Solicitor-General’s office for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva filed a 25-page suit that AP obtained. It alleges “direct violations” of Brazilian rules on the safety of children and teenagers, including “severe gaps” in age verification and user protections, and asks for damages for alleged collective psychological harm. Discord in Brazil called the move “disproportionate” and said it “does not accurately reflect Discord’s approach to safety and compliance with Brazilian law.”
The filing follows a July suicide case tied to the platform. Earlier this month the government pressed Discord to suspend live broadcasts over that incident. Brazil’s first lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, known as Janja, said on August 6 that Discord should be taken offline. Five teenagers were arrested in connection with the death, according to the justice ministry. The solicitor-general also wants the court to order stronger parental controls, more cooperation with local police, and automated tools to find and remove dangerous content. The suit notes Discord already faces cases in U.S. states including Texas, Nevada, and New Jersey. The company says it has more than 90 million active daily users worldwide.
Lula and Brazil’s Supreme Court have been trying, with mixed results, to tighten rules on how minors use the internet, in a year when Australia, Canada, and Indonesia have moved on similar ground. This is not a ban yet. It is the federal government putting a number on the table in Brasília and asking a judge to make Discord change how it works, or pay. Discord says that is the wrong size of stick. The court has the file.
Sources: Associated Press.
