Russia and Turkey have imposed bans on Discord, the messaging app popular among gamers and various online communities. Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, confirmed that the platform is now inaccessible in the country due to non-compliance with orders to remove content deemed illegal.
The decision came shortly after Discord was directed to take down nearly 1,000 pieces of prohibited material, with the service facing previous fines for similar issues. Meanwhile, Turkish authorities blocked Discord following a ruling from an Ankara court. The move came amid concerns about illegal activities, including suspected cases of child abuse and obscene content circulating on the platform.
Turkey’s Information Technologies and Communication Authority (BTK) enacted the decision, supported by statements from Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc, who emphasized the government’s commitment to shielding young people from harmful online influences.
Russia’s Internet Clampdown Escalates
Discord’s ban in Russia adds to a growing list of foreign tech platforms blocked or restricted since the start of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. Over the past two years, Roskomnadzor has intensified efforts to control online content, often targeting platforms accused of hosting extremist materials or spreading misinformation about Russian authorities. The bans aim to curtail foreign perspectives that contradict official state narratives.
Russia’s approach to Discord follows a pattern seen with other social media networks like Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Instagram, which were swiftly restricted after the Ukraine conflict began. These measures, often coupled with heavy fines, have made compliance a challenge for foreign companies, as requirements change frequently.
Discord Faces Backlash in Turkey After Public Outcry
The block on Discord in Turkey was prompted by a recent incident that caused widespread anger: the murder of two women, allegedly carried out by a 19-year-old. Following the crime, some content on Discord appeared to support the act, sparking outrage and leading to calls for stricter regulation of the platform.
The Ankara court’s decision to block the service came as part of broader efforts to regulate digital spaces where problematic content might emerge. Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc defended the ban as a necessary step to protect the public, especially children and young users. He argued that some aspects of social media pose risks to social order and asserted that authorities would not permit content that threatens public morals to persist online.
Implications for Discord’s User Base
With an estimated 150 million monthly users globally, Discord’s sudden loss of access in two countries highlights the challenges that popular platforms face when navigating content regulations across different regions. The app’s wide user base spans not only gamers but also communities built around hobbies, professional interests, and educational groups, making it a vital communication tool for millions.
Users in both Russia and Turkey have already begun turning to virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the bans, a workaround that has become common in countries with heavy online restrictions. These measures underscore the increasing difficulty of maintaining open digital spaces in regions where internet freedom is closely monitored by the government.
Broader Trends in Online Censorship
The dual bans reflect a broader trend of governments intensifying control over online platforms, particularly those that allow for the free exchange of ideas. Since 2022, Russia has steadily limited access to Western platforms, citing security and misinformation concerns.
Turkey’s decision to block Discord fits into its ongoing approach to restrict online content perceived as dangerous or socially destabilizing, especially following incidents that trigger public unrest.
On August 2, 2024, Turkey’s BTK announced a block on Instagram, impacting 57.1 million users. This restriction, expected to be solidified by a court order within 24 to 48 hours, was reportedly due to Instagram’s limit on posts about Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, following his purported assassination.
A week later, authorities also blocked Roblox. The ban stems from allegations regarding inappropriate sexual content, with authorities claiming it takes advantage of children. The Directorate of Communications highlighted other troubling activities, such as virtual events promoting homosexuality and bot accounts distributing “robux” to entice young users.
Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:37 pm CET
