SAO PAULO — On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Brazil's government filed a lawsuit in federal court against Discord, the widely used platform for gamers to communicate online. The lawsuit seeks approximately $97 million in damages, alleging that Discord failed to adequately protect children on its platform.

The legal action follows a suicide case in July linked to Discord. Earlier in August, Brazil's government urged Discord to suspend its live broadcasts related to the incident.

According to a statement from Brazil’s Solicitor-General’s office, representing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the damages sought are due to alleged collective psychological harm that Discord has allowed. The 25-page lawsuit, obtained by The Associated Press, highlights severe gaps in Discord's age-verification systems and user safety protections.

The Solicitor-General’s office stated that Discord committed “direct violations to a number of obligations and protective norms of Brazilian law, regarding the special protections and safety of vulnerable groups, including children and teenagers.”

Discord’s Brazil office responded, calling the government’s move “disproportionate” and asserting it “does not accurately reflect Discord’s approach to safety and compliance with Brazilian law.”

Brazil’s first lady, Rosângela Lula da Silva, known as Janja, also commented on the issue in August. President Lula, who is seeking reelection in October, and Brazil’s Supreme Court have been working to regulate internet use by minors, amid similar efforts in countries like Australia, Canada, and Indonesia.

Discord reports having more than 90 million active daily users worldwide.

Sources