The Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technologies, and Mass Media has officially blocked the popular communication platform Discord within the country.
This decision came after Discord was found to violate Russian laws regarding monitoring and removing unlawful content.
According to a statement from the watchdog’s press service, the platform failed to comply with the legal requirements necessary to prevent its use for illicit activities, including terrorism, extremism, and drug sales.
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Inclusion in Social Networks Register
Earlier this year, Discord was added to Russia’s social network register. This designation imposed specific obligations on the company to identify and block unlawful content on its platform actively.
Despite these requirements, Discord reportedly did not meet the standards set by Russian authorities. As a result, the company was fined 3.5 million rubles (approximately $36,150) for its non-compliance.
According to the Russia News Agency Tass, failing to adhere to these regulations ultimately restricted access to Discord across Russia.
Impact on Users and Broader Implications
The ban on Discord is expected to affect millions of users in Russia who rely on the platform for communication and community building. Discord has been a popular tool among gamers, educators, and various online communities for its versatile chat features.
The restriction highlights ongoing tensions between global tech companies and Russian regulatory bodies over content control and censorship.
This move is part of a broader trend of Russian authorities increasing their scrutiny and regulation of digital platforms.
As Russia tightens its grip on internet services within its borders, international tech companies face challenges navigating compliance while maintaining global operations.
The situation underscores the complex landscape of digital governance and raises questions about the future of online freedom in Russia.
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