Discord Under Fire: Why Russia and Turkey Have Blocked the Platform

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Discord, a popular messaging and voice chat app, has recently faced significant scrutiny and regulatory actions from both Russia and Turkey, which have banned the platform for various reasons.

Discord, a popular messaging and voice chat app, has recently faced significant scrutiny and regulatory actions from both Russia and Turkey, which have banned the platform for various reasons. These moves are part of a broader effort by both countries to tighten control over online content, particularly with regards to harmful or illegal activities.

Russia’s Ban on Discord
On Tuesday, Russia’s telecoms regulator Roskomnadzor announced that it was blocking Discord, citing violations of Russian laws aimed at preventing the platform’s use for criminal activities. The regulatory body accused Discord of failing to prevent the dissemination of content related to terrorism, extremism, drug sales, and other illegal information. Furthermore, Roskomnadzor claimed that Discord was being “actively used by criminals” and had not complied with a September 2023 order to remove nearly 1,000 items of illicit content.

This move comes as part of Russia’s ongoing crackdown on Western social media platforms, especially since the country's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) have also been targeted in similar regulatory actions. The ban on Discord, however, is particularly notable due to the platform’s use in military contexts. Pro-military bloggers in Russia have claimed that Discord has been used by Russian forces to coordinate military actions on the battlefield, raising concerns about the availability of alternative platforms for these groups.

Turkey’s Ban of Discord
A day after Russia’s ban, Turkey followed suit, blocking Discord after a court ruling in Ankara. The Turkish communications authority, BTK, justified the ban as a measure to protect children from harmful online content. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard young people from online abuse, including blackmail and exploitation.

The Turkish government’s concerns were spurred by reports of criminal activity involving minors on Discord, including cases where users allegedly coerced young children into sharing explicit images. Additionally, Discord came under fire for hosting private groups where users reportedly praised a recent double murder in Istanbul. These incidents led Turkish authorities to launch an investigation, further contributing to the platform’s blocked status in the country.

Discord’s Legal Troubles and Global Scrutiny
Discord is facing increasing scrutiny worldwide for its role in hosting harmful content. In the United States, the FBI has investigated the platform in connection with criminal cases involving grooming, sextortion, and the spread of child sexual abuse material. In fact, Discord has been associated with several high-profile incidents, including the promotion of a violent rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in 2017, and the sharing of a manifesto by the gunman responsible for the 2022 Buffalo supermarket shooting.

Despite these controversies, Discord remains incredibly popular. The platform, launched in 2015 as a communication tool for gamers, now boasts over 150 million active users and serves a wide range of online communities. Its flexibility and privacy features, while appealing to legitimate users, have also allowed extremist groups and other controversial communities to thrive in its private servers.

What is Discord and Why Does It Appeal?
Discord allows users to create “servers” where they can communicate via text, voice, and video, making it a versatile platform for both casual chats and more structured group discussions. Unlike WhatsApp or Telegram, which limit groups to single-threaded conversations, Discord offers multiple channels within a server, enabling users to organize discussions around specific topics.

The platform’s popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it expanded its focus from gaming communities to virtually all types of online groups. Today, its most popular “server” is centered around the artificial intelligence platform Midjourney, with 20 million followers.

While Discord has made strides to improve its content moderation practices, its association with fringe movements and its privacy rules have made it an attractive platform for groups espousing controversial views. These issues have led to increasing pressure from governments around the world, who are demanding stronger measures to regulate harmful content.

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