Discord inaccessible on Globe, DITO as CICC 24-hour warning lapses

INACCESSIBLE. A message shows on the screen when trying to access Discord on a Globe connection.

Rappler screenshot

Discord faces accessibility issues in the Philippines amid government threats of a ban over alleged links to youth recruitment for violence, while some networks remain unaffected

MANILA, Philippines – Communication platform Discord is inaccessible on some networks including Globe and DITO, while it remains accessible on Smart.

Online users started reporting the platform’s inaccessibility late last Wednesday, September 23, following a warning directed at Discord and Reddit from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) on Tuesday, September 22, of a ban if the platforms do not establish a local office in the Philippines within 24 hours.

The warning came as the government body alleges links to the online recruitment of youth into committing violent acts within the platforms, in relation to recent school shootings, including the September 18 South Cotabato incident.

The CICC extended Reddit’s deadline after it said it had conferred with the platform. Discord sent a letter to the agency confirming its willingness to engage on the matter, but the blocking has pushed through on some connections. The agency said it had not extended the deadline for Discord, pending “direct discussions” and “concrete commitments.”

Rappler has reached out to the CICC for confirmation of the blocking. – Rappler.com