Metro Manila, Philippines – The government required on Monday, Sept. 21, communication platforms Reddit and Discord to set up local offices within 24 hours to strengthen coordination.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) issued separate letters dated Sept. 21 to the two groups, ordering them to designate a resident agent or local representative who shall link them with local authorities.
The move was in line with efforts of the government to reinforce coordination with digital platforms in relation to three school shootings in recent months.
CICC Undersecretary Renato Paraiso said the government is not asking for tech companies to monitor the internet but to be “reachable, accountable, and responsive” in keeping youth and communities from online risks.
“When an online threat spills over into the real world, there has to be [a] clear channel for authorities to act,” he said.
The agency also sought the active involvement of concerned online platforms in creating a cooperative framework aligned with the law addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials.
To further safeguard the virtual space for young users, the CICC said it coordinated with the Department of Foreign Affairs to arrange a meeting with Meta, Discord, Reddit, and other social media platforms.
