Discord informed Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) that it is unable to suspend live video functionality for users located in Brazil within the three‑business‑day deadline set by the agency. The company said it requires 15 business days, extendable by another 15, to implement a country‑specific shutdown across desktop, mobile and console platforms, and asked ANPD to reconsider the measure.
Regulatory Background
The order came after a Brazilian teenager died during a Discord livestream in which she was encouraged to self‑harm and attempt suicide. ANPD invoked Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD) to order the suspension of lives and “functionally equivalent” video features until Discord proves it has adopted safeguards for minors. The deadline for compliance was set for Monday, 17 August 2026.
Technical Hurdles
Discord argued that fulfilling the order is technically unfeasible in the given timeframe. It does not collect precise geolocation data, so blocking users by nation would rely on indirect detection methods with known margins of error. The platform also cannot prevent users from circumventing a ban using virtual private networks (VPNs). Implementing, testing and deploying a country‑level lock across multiple operating systems would need extensive engineering work and detailed verification evidence, which cannot be produced in three days.
Request for Extension and Reconsideration
In its communication to ANPD, Discord requested that the effects of the suspension be stayed while the agency reviews the submitted information and convenes an urgent technical meeting with Discord’s product, engineering and security teams. The company said it is taking steps to comply but is doing so “under protest”.
Impact on Users
Discord highlighted that the suspension would affect its entire Brazilian user base of 13.1 million monthly active users, the vast majority of whom have no connection to the harmful conduct that triggered the order. The platform said the measure reaches “indiscriminately” all users of a feature used daily by millions, including academic, professional and enthusiast communities that rely on live voice and video.
Legal and Encryption Concerns
Discord questioned ANPD’s legal competence to issue the order, asserting that the decision anticipates judicial sanctions reserved for the judiciary and therefore exceeds the agency’s preventive and cautionary powers. It also asked whether the measure applies only to public livestreams or also to private person‑to‑person audio and video calls, noting that all communications on Discord are end‑to‑end encrypted, a feature that, according to ANPD, complicates efforts to preserve child safety.
Potential Penalties
If Discord fails to comply with the suspension, ANPD’s board may impose daily fines on the platform, the amount of which remains to be defined. The company maintains that it is working to meet the regulator’s demands while challenging the basis and scope of the order.