The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) unbanned Discord in the Philippines, with the suspension lasting one day. The lifting of the ban was decided after Discord’s correspondence with Senior Representatives meeting Philippine Officials yesterday.

Users of the online messaging app “Discord” were presented with a message from DICT when attempting to access the platform on browsers. Meanwhile, users accessing Discord through the official app could not send or receive messages on September 24th. 

The ban was made in commitment to the announcement published by DICT on September 23rd detailing a request for compliance with Online Message Board Platform “Reddit” and Discord. The request was for both platforms to have a physical presence within the Philippines in order to better respond to threats on the platform.

“We are not asking platforms to police the internet for the government but to be reachable, accountable, and responsive when activities on their platforms put Filipino children and communities at risk” says CICC Executive Director Usec. Aboy Paraiso in the September 23rd Press Release.

DICT and CICC’s communication with Discord will continue, with plans on implementing safety measures for users. Updates and details on proposed changes will be provided by the CICC.

The issues listed by the Government include nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), grooming, and radicalization of minors. The online messaging app has stated its commitment to strengthening its safety measures against the listed threats in the recent meeting.

The recent effort in communicating with Online Platforms, including Meta, Roblox, Reddit, and Discord are in response to the recent school-related violence throughout the country. In their latest press release, DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda explains that the government’s actions are grounded in the responsibility to protect Filipino children. 

Netizens have reacted negatively to the initial banning of Discord. Many users worry that the issue impedes their right to expression. Netizens comment that the banning of websites that allow users to communicate freely puts their freedoms at risk. CICC’s Facebook posts on the matter have received stark criticism, with comment sections berating and questioning the competence of the organization.

In the live press conference by CICC and DICT, CICC Deputy Executive Director Renato Paraiso responds to questions regarding the ban as “unconstitutional”: “Ang ginagamit po nating batayan, is yung obligasyon, hindi nga right eh, obligasyon ng estado under the parent patriae doctrine na lahat ho ng mga kababayan natin kailangan at may obligasyon kaming protektahan at under this doctrine also these platforms who are doing business here in the Philippines have no recourse kasi wala po silang presence dito”.