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Brazil’s federal government filed suit Wednesday against Discord, seeking 500 million reais—approximately $97 million—in damages over the gaming communication platform’s alleged deficiencies in protecting minors online. The lawsuit, filed by the Solicitor-General’s office under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, claims the company has permitted collective psychological harm to children through systemic failures in safety infrastructure.
The legal action follows a July suicide case tied to the platform, which prompted Brazil’s government earlier this month to demand Discord suspend its live broadcast features in connection with the incident. The 25-page complaint alleges severe gaps in age-verification mechanisms and user protection systems that violate multiple Brazilian legal protections for children and adolescents.
Brazil’s Solicitor-General contends Discord has committed “direct violations” to national laws safeguarding vulnerable populations. The government is requesting the court mandate immediate improvements to parental controls, heightened coordination with local law enforcement, and deployment of automated systems to identify and eliminate harmful content from the platform.
Discord responded by characterizing Brazil’s action as “disproportionate” and stated the lawsuit “does not accurately reflect Discord’s approach to safety and compliance with Brazilian law.” The company operates more than 90 million active daily users globally, according to its website.
The Brazilian government’s push for internet regulation of minors aligns with efforts by nations including Australia, Canada and Indonesia. Brazil’s first lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, called for the platform’s removal from the country on August 6, citing the suicide case in which five teenagers were arrested in connection with the death.
Discord faces comparable legal challenges internationally, with active lawsuits pending in U.S. states including Texas, Nevada and New Jersey. Lula, campaigning for reelection in October, has prioritized digital regulation alongside the Supreme Court’s efforts to restrict internet use by minors.
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