Discord has eliminated third-party applications that enabled bypassing the suspension of live video broadcasts in Brazil. This action was taken after a GloboNews report pointed out services that kept this function active on the platform.
The company admitted the use of these applications within Discord but stressed that such an occurrence happened without its permission and contrary to the terms of use. Furthermore, Discord stated that it is in communication with the ANPD to seek the reactivation of video features in the country.
GloboNews had identified at least two external services that could be integrated into Discord's functionalities to transmit and share videos in real time during group calls. These services were not developed by Discord but could be used within the platform itself.
Tests conducted by the report confirmed that these features were operational for users in Brazil, even after the ANPD's decision on the suspension. Discord confirmed having investigated the incident and taken the necessary steps to remove such applications.
The company stated: 'After investigating the use of third-party applications to circumvent the suspension of video features in Brazil, without Discord's knowledge or approval, we acted immediately to remove these applications from the platform, in compliance with our terms.' However, the platform did not specify the date of removal nor the technical methods used to prevent the use of similar services.
After receiving the complaint, the ANPD requested clarification from Discord. The agency warned that failure to comply with preventive measures could result in further actions, including the imposition of daily fines.
Context of the Suspension
The halt of live streams was established following an investigation related to the death of a 13-year-old girl in Mato Grosso do Sul at the end of July. Investigators indicated that the adolescent died during a live stream, and the investigation suggests she committed suicide due to individuals who maintained contact with her in private internet groups.
This case triggered Operation Lívia, conducted by the Civil Police and the Ministry of Justice. The temporary interruption of live streams persists. The Supervision of Inspection (SFI-ANPD) rejected the request for a stay of execution made by Discord, as it understood that resuming live streaming and video sharing without implementing measures to make the functionality safer for children and adolescents could carry the risk of repetition of the investigated conduct and new damages before the process concludes.
According to the ANPD, the suspension is temporary, and its reversal depends on Discord proving the implementation of safeguards capable of reducing the identified risks. The agency reiterated: 'The technical area reinforces that the suspension of live streams is temporary and its reversal remains conditional on Discord demonstrating the implementation of safeguards capable of mitigating the identified risks.'
While the inspection process continues, Discord maintains a dialogue with the ANPD in an attempt to find a solution that allows the restoration of video features to Brazilian users.