Brazil orders Discord to suspend Go Live

ANPD preventive measure

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority, known as the ANPD, ordered Discord on a preventive basis to suspend its live streaming feature, known as Go Live, within three business days. The decision also covers equivalent video sharing and streaming tools, but makes clear that the platform is not being blocked in Brazil.

According to the ANPD, the measure rests on robust evidence that Discord did not adopt reasonable steps to prevent and mitigate risks tied to violence, self-harm, and suicide involving children and adolescents. Coverage from G1 Globo and Poder360 agreed that the order applies only to live features, not to the entire service.

The case that sped up the decision

Several outlets linked the move to the suicide of a 13-year-old girl in Naviraí, Mato Grosso do Sul, which reportedly took place after a live session on Discord. Infobae said the measure was tied to that case, while El Imparcial reported that police investigators connected it to self-harm and suicide during a live broadcast.

La Diaria added that the ANPD considered there to be enough evidence for an emergency measure and that the suspension would remain in place until Discord showed adequate protections for minors.

Technical scope and deadlines

Investing.com reported that the ANPD identified a technical issue, namely the lack of real-time access to live-stream content, which would make automated detection of violations more difficult. That same report said Discord could face fines of up to 50 million reais per violation and would have 10 business days to appeal the decision.

Exame also said the precautionary suspension is not limited to Go Live, but extends to equivalent video-sharing features, and that service can resume only after explicit prior authorization from the ANPD.