Discord and Reddit Ban in Philippines : What You Need to Know.

Manila, Philippines – Discord and Reddit users in The Philippines were caught off guard this week after authorities moved against the two popular online platforms. Citing concerns over online safety and child protection.

The issue began after the CICC or Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center directed both Discord and Reddit to establish a local presence in the Philippines and designate a local representative who could coordinate with authorities.

The CICC also asked both Discord and Reddit to provide written explanations of their platforms safety and age-verification measures.

The agency warned the two popular online platforms that failure to comply could lead to app or access restrictions in the Philippines.

Why authorities act against Discord and Reddit?

The Philippine government’s action came amid heightened concerns about online communities where young people may potentially be exposed to harmful material, grooming and violent extremist content.

The CICC’s directive followed the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, where a 16-year-old Grade 9 student was involved as suspect in an incident.

What happened to Discord?

Discord became the more immediate concern after the CICC clarified that it had not been granted the same extension given to Reddit.

CICC shared that Discord contacted the agency through a letter expressing its willingness to discuss its existing teen-safety measures.

However, the agency said that Discord had not yet made the concrete commitments it was seeking.

Reports subsequently emerged that Discord had become inaccessible through several Philippine telecommunications networks like Globe and Dito.

Reddit was given an extension.

Reddit’s situation was different. The CICC said Reddit officials met with the agency online within the original 24-hour period and discussed specific commitments related to online child safety, because Reddit engaged with authorities and presented plans to comply, the platform was granted an extension.

The extension includes Reddit’s commitment to establish a local presence and a team that can coordinate with the authorities.

What happens next to Reddit and Discord?

As of now, Discord and Reddit remain separate cases.

Reddit has been given additional time to work with Philippine authorities, following discussions for commitments regarding a local presence and online safety.

Meanwhile, Discord did not receive the same extension according to the CICC’s clarification and access restrictions were reported on several networks.