Why Russia and Türkiye blocked the Discord messaging app.

This app has over half a billion users, including many teenagers. However, the question is: Is Discord safe?

Discord app logo. Photo: DW

Russia's telecommunications regulator Roskomnadzor banned Discord on Tuesday (October 8), alleging that the app fails to prevent terrorist activities, extremism, and drug trafficking. Roskomnadzor stated that Discord "is being actively used by criminals" and has not complied with an order to remove nearly 1,000 illegal pieces of content issued on October 1.

Previously, the app had also been fined by Russia for failing to remove banned content. Following Russia's conflict with Ukraine in 2022, Western social media platforms have frequently been targeted by the country, with many familiar names such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook being banned in Russia.

A day after Russia issued the ban, Türkiye also took action for similar reasons. The Turkish telecommunications authority BTK blocked Discord nationwide following a court ruling in Ankara. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc stated that the ban aimed to "protect children" from online abuse on Discord. He also emphasized the determination to protect young people from harmful content and cybercrime on social media.

The blocking of Discord in Türkiye comes after prosecutors investigated allegations that some Discord users were extorting children to send sensitive images. Turkish media outlet Anadolu reported that some users had praised the murders of two 19-year-old women in Istanbul on private Discord groups.

In the US, Discord has been investigated by the FBI in connection with criminal cases where the platform is believed to have been used by criminals to abuse children. Some notable cases involving Discord include the arrest of the leader of the neo-Nazi gang "Order of the Nine Angels," who targeted children on the app. In 2023, NBC News reported that there had been 35 trials involving adults using Discord to deceive, abduct, or sexually assault children over the past six years.

Discord has become the subject of intense scrutiny by countries and regulators, particularly in Europe and the US. In November 2022, France fined the platform €800,000 for violating European Union (EU) data protection regulations. Discord is also under scrutiny under the EU's Digital Services Act, which requires platforms to promptly remove harmful content.

Many US states have passed laws aimed at protecting children online, forcing platforms like Discord to strengthen age verification and personal data protection measures.

Discord first launched in 2015 as a communication tool for gamers, but has evolved into a broader communication platform, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The app allows users to make voice calls, video calls, send messages, and share content within private or public virtual communities.

Discord currently has over 150 million active users, with diverse followings ranging from cryptocurrency investment groups to those with controversial political views.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters, NBC News, DW)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ly-do-nga-va-tho-nhi-ky-chan-ung-dung-nhan-tin-discord-post316475.html