Discord users in Brazil can’t share their screen or use video calls as of 12:25pm CT today. The media company suspended the services in the region in compliance with a legal resolution from last week due to child safety concerns. Voice calls and text chat are still active, however.
Editor’s Note: The story behind the suspension is pretty bad, and reader discretion is advised. Sensitive readers may want to click away now – maybe check out this awesome custom-made GTA 6 controller for some lighter reading.
Last Wednesday, the government’s National Agency for Data Protection (ANPD, in Portuguese) preventively ordered Discord to cease video in Brazil within three business days. The deadline ended today, when the company restricted certain features in the Latin American country.
The text cites “robust evidence” that Discord failed to fulfill duties proposed under the Digital Statute of the Child and Adolescent (ECA Digital). The services “shall remain suspended until the company proves the adoption of measures to protect children and teenagers,” according to the ruling.
The body of the ECA Digital states that companies directed at children or teenagers, or likely to be accessed by them, should take “reasonable measures” to mitigate the risk of contact with certain practices and content. Under the law, the companies should protect these vulnerable users from material involving incitement of self-harm, virtual harassment, gambling, predatory advertising, and sexual content.
On Aug. 4, police arrested five suspects who allegedly encouraged a 13-year-old to self-harm during a Discord livestream. The police executed warrants in multiple states and arrested five teenagers aged between 13 and 17, plus an 18-year-old, according to Brazilian news outlet G1. The suspects also allegedly attempted to goad another teenager into harming herself during the broadcast, but she reportedly left the call before being victimized further.
Law enforcement is also investigating other crimes by the group. The authorities seized at least one firearm, knives, and hate symbols when executing the warrants, as per G1.
As part of the ruling, users in Brazil are not allowed to share their webcam video or their screens. The camera option is greyed out, while starting any broadcast shows a “screen sharing is not supported in your region” message.
“We’re complying with the order and working with the ANPD in good faith, which means that screensharing and video calls will be unavailable for Brazilian users starting now,” Discord said in a statement. “We are working hard to restore access to these important features as quickly as possible.”
“We’re a small company compared to many larger global messaging platforms,” said Discord, which had a valuation of $11.1 billion in 2021. The platform is “less familiar to many legislators and regulators,” according to the statement.
The company also requested its Brazilian fans to “share your story on the platforms you use and tag us to let us know,” as a way to showcase the “full picture” of how the service is used in the country.
Child safety on the internet has been a hotly debated topic in Brazil, particularly since August 2025. Content creator Felca published a scathing exposé on how some online platforms made it easy for ill-intentioned actors to acquire sexually suggestive content involving minors, which spilled over into multiple areas.
Felca’s video propelled the ECA Digital into the public debate, helping turn it into law in the following month. As a result of the law, Roblox made sweeping changes to its voice chat system, and Riot Games changed the age ratings for most of its titles to 18+ (close to ESRB’s Mature rating). The age requirements for VALORANT didn’t change per se, but minors require parental authorization to play it.
If you’re in Brazil and need help or emotional support, contact the Centro de Valorização da Vida (CVV) at 188. The number is free to call and is available across the country.
