The state of New Jersey has filed a lawsuit against Discord, alleging the company’s business practices put children at risk due to inadequate measures to prevent predators and violent content. The complaint claims Discord’s existing age verification process is flawed, allowing young users to access the platform by providing a false birthdate.
Discord prohibits users under 13 from making an account, but fails to verify their age, leaving it open to abuse. Additionally, the app allows messages from friends to bypass filters, permitting children to receive inappropriate content. The lawsuit claims this combination of features enables child exploitation and harassment.
This is the first state-level action against Discord, following several other lawsuits targeting large gaming platforms for failing to protect minors from harm. In response, Discord has launched a pilot program that scans user faces or IDs to access sensitive content in compliance with UK and Australian child safety laws.
Discord’s spokesperson stated they are surprised by the lawsuit and dispute its claims, expressing confidence in their efforts to make the platform safer. The case will now proceed in court as Discord prepares to defend itself against the allegations.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/650849/discord-gets-sued-for-allegedly-violating-child-safety-laws