Brazil sues online platform Discord over alleged failures in children protection

Brazil’s government filed a federal lawsuit against Discord on Aug. 26, 2026, seeking 500 million reais ($97 million) in collective moral damages over alleged failures to protect children and adolescents. The Solicitor-General’s office cited severe gaps in age verification and user safety protections, accusing the platform of direct violations of Brazilian law, including the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (ECA Digital). The lawsuit follows the July suicide of a 13-year-old girl in Mato Grosso do Sul, who was allegedly coerced by other users during a livestream. Five teenagers have been arrested in connection with the death. Discord called the lawsuit “disproportionate” and said it does not accurately reflect its safety approach. The filing also notes Discord faces similar legal pressure in U.S. states including Texas, Nevada, and New Jersey.