Metro Manila, Philippines – The government has lifted the ban on online platform Discord after the company committed to strengthen measures against online safety threats, including nihilistic violent extremism (NVE), child grooming and radicalization, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Thursday, Sept. 24.
DICT Secretary Henry Aguda said the government concluded its formal discussions with Discord following successful negotiations with the platform officials.
Aguda said Discord presented commitments in response to the government’s concerns over NVE, grooming and radicalization of Filipino children on the platform, as well as online safety threats linked to violence in schools.
He added that Discord committed to immediately implement measures to strengthen the protection of children on the platform.
Meanwhile, DICT Undersecretary Renato Paraiso said Discord has designated points of contact who will serve as government representatives and can be reached 24/7.
The platform has also established a “green lane” mechanism for government requests, including content takedowns and obtaining information on threat actors, he said.
The government and Discord will next establish milestones and timelines for the platform’s commitments, including the establishment of a Philippine presence.
Paraiso said the government recognizes that setting up a physical office may take time, but stressed that the platform’s immediate commitments can already be implemented.
He said the government will also discuss differences between laws and Discord’s community standards to address gaps in enforcement.
“This is a win for the Filipino children, it’s a win for the Philippines, and it’s a win for the platform,” Paraiso said.
“We celebrate the triumph of online child safety,” he added.
