Russia and Turkey Ban Discord, Citing Security Concerns

Russia and Turkey have blocked access to the messaging platform Discord, citing non-compliance with local laws and concerns over misuse for illegal activities. The ban follows accusations that Discord failed to cooperate with authorities in both countries.

Russia’s internet regulator, Roskomnadzor, announced on Tuesday that the platform had been restricted due to alleged violations of local legislation. The regulator claimed that Discord was being used for terrorist recruitment, extremist activities, and drug trafficking. According to data from internet watchdog NetBlocks, the app has been restricted across several Russian internet service providers.

Discord, a San Francisco-based company, confirmed it is aware of the issue and is currently investigating the situation. The platform, popular among gamers for its real-time voice chat capabilities, has also been used for coordinating military operations in Ukraine, adding to its controversial status.

The ban in Russia has sparked backlash from military bloggers and service members, who argue that Discord is essential for communication on the frontlines, where other tools are often unavailable. Some Russian lawmakers also criticised the move, pointing out that the app is widely used by students and educators, and that Russia lacks a comparable local alternative.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, the ban was implemented following a court ruling. The country’s telecommunications regulator accused Discord of being used for child abuse, blackmail, and online harassment. The ban came amid a public outcry over the recent murder of two women in Istanbul, which was reportedly praised on the platform.

Both Russia and Turkey have a history of restricting social media platforms over security concerns. This latest move adds Discord to a growing list of Western services blocked in these countries.