Discord Messaging App Sued: N.J. Says It Fails to Shield Kids from Predators

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin has filed a landmark lawsuit against Discord, accusing the popular messaging platform of failing to protect underage users from online predators. Despite promoting itself as a secure space for teens, the app allegedly allows children under 13 to create accounts easily and offers little resistance to predators seeking them out. “They know their protections don’t work,” Platkin told NBC News, calling the platform’s safety features more performative than practical.

Discord, widely used by kids in games like Roblox and Minecraft, responded with surprise, claiming it has invested heavily in tools to keep users safe. Still, Platkin insists filters like “Sensitive Media” are ineffective and easily bypassed, exposing kids to explicit content. The lawsuit accuses the company of violating the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act and misleading the public. As the first state to take legal action against Discord over child safety concerns, New Jersey’s case could set a precedent. In an era where digital hangouts are replacing playgrounds, the lawsuit is a stark reminder: if the app’s not watching the kids, someone else might be.
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