New Jersey sues Discord, a popular chat app, claiming it is 'not safe for children'

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer

Published April 17, 2025, 11:57 a.m. ET


New Jersey is cracking down on the popular chat app Discord after a string of incidents involving children across the state. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced a lawsuit against Discord on Thursday, claiming the platform has misrepresented its safety protection and leaves minors vulnerable to “harassment, abuse and sexual exploitation by predators.”

“Discord holds itself out to be a company that cares about safety,” Platkin said. “But for years, it has been deceiving young users and parents about the design and effectiveness of its app’s safety features.” The complaint, filed in the Chancery Division of the Superior Court of New Jersey, claims Discord knew its safety features did not protect minors from being exposed to inappropriate sexual content or online predators, but refused to make changes to protect young people.

In one example, Platkin cited the platform’s “Safe Direct Messaging” feature, which Discord added in 2023 to automatically scan for and block messages that contained explicit content. “The truth is, Discord’s app was not capable of doing that, and the company knew it,” Platkin said. “Turns out the safe direct messaging wasn’t safe at all.”

Platkin also said Discord claims to prevent children under the age of 13 from accessing the platform but “barely enforces its own rule.” “All a child has to do to access the app is just say they’re 13,” Platkin said. “Discord will take any 8-year-old’s word for it … potentially exposing a second grader to all kinds of explicit and horrific material.” A Discord spokesperson said the company was “surprised” by New Jersey’s announcement “given our engagement with the Attorney General’s office” and plans to dispute the claims in court.

Read more: https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/discord-new-jersey-lawsuit-20250417.html

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

1. Omegle was outlawed for the same bullshit reason.

I would imagine Zoom would be next in line. They are systematically eliminating our ability to meet online, thus keeping their "enemies" separated and make it more difficult to organize a nationwide resistance.

Any sort of effective resistance must occur now, before Trump consolidates control over every single aspect of American life.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. I think in this case

it's because some groups associated with RW loons and even black hat hackers (including 4chan, etc) use it prolifically. It became the (non-dark web) landing place for the "bad actors".

[JustAnotherGen]

4. We know tweens

Which to me are little kids - are being targeted on Discord in NJ. They didn't pull this out of their ass.

[BumRushDaShow]

5. I saw this today on USA Today

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2025/04/17/red-pill-meaning-manosphere-misogyny-and-other-terms-explained/83098716007/

This is the kind of stuff that goes on sucking those tween males in.

[JustAnotherGen]

3. Matt Platkin

Is not one of the bad guys. They aren't going to touch Zoom. Not the current Gov or AG - or the future Democratic Gov or AG. We literally use Zoom for debate prep with our Senators, House Reps, and Gubernatorial Candidates. The State Democratic Party uses it regularly.

Also - remember - Alina Habbayabbadoo has been 'assigned' NJ as her special little project . . . she's going after Phil and Matt. Scot Presler has set up shop here.

In light of the Trump Admins deliberate targeting of the citizens of the state of New Jersey - there's nothing Gov Murph or AG Platkin can do that would make them lose my support.

And yes - I want GREATER controls around what little kids are accessing online. And more important - WHO has access to them.