Brazil’s data protection authority has ordered messaging platform Discord to suspend its livestreaming feature after a 13-year-old girl allegedly was encouraged to take her own life during a broadcast on the platform.
The National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) launched an investigation on Aug. 7 following the death of the teenager, who was reportedly pressured by other users in a Discord server, or group, to end her life.
Discord allows users to create and join interest-based communities and communicate through real-time voice and video calls using its “Go Live” livestreaming feature.
Discord said it was “thoughtfully reviewing” the ANPD’s decision and reaffirmed its commitment to user safety.
“Groups or individuals who promote or encourage violence have no place on Discord,” a company spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Discord quickly investigated the private, invite-only server involved and shut it down shortly after it was created. The company also said it continues to cooperate with law enforcement investigating the case.
According to Reuters, the ANPD found that Discord does not have real-time access to livestream content, limiting its ability to automatically detect potential violations.
The platform, available on computers and mobile devices, has more than 200 million monthly active users and is particularly popular among gamers.
Discord said its investigation found evidence that the criminal activity linked to the girl’s death had been coordinated on other platforms before the Discord server was created and continued after those involved were banned from Discord.
Five teenagers have reportedly been arrested in connection with the girl’s death.
Discord has three days to comply with the suspension and 10 business days to appeal the decision. The platform could face fines of up to 50 million reais ($9.67 million) for each violation.
The ANPD said the suspension will remain in effect until Discord demonstrates that it has introduced “adequate protective measures for minors,” which could include age-verification systems.
#Source: BBC