Russia has officially banned the popular instant messaging platform, Discord. Indeed, the country’s communications regulatory has blocked the application for Russian law violations, according to the state-owned TASS news agency. The decision has now placed the popular platform on a growing list of foreign technologies that are unauthorized for use in Moscow.
The latest restriction is one in a long list of banned platforms that has been growing steadily in recent years. Roskomnadzor, the nation’s regulator, had reportedly requested nearly 1,000 items it deemed illegal to be deleted. The California-based platform has not yet commented on the ban that took place Tuesday.
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Russia Bans Discord for Violating Country’s Laws
In what is the latest in a string of similar actions, Russia has banned messaging platform Discord in the country. The country’s regulator noted that the platform is facing restrictions in the country. Specifically, these stem from its lack of compliance with Moscow laws regarding digital platforms.
“The access to the Discord is being restricted in connection of violation of requirements of Russian laws,” the country said in a statement published through TASS. Moreover, they noted compliance “is required to prevent the use of the messenger for terrorists and extremist services, recruitment of citizens to commit them, for drug sales, and in connection wit unlawful information posting.”
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Discord’s compliance failure had resulted in a $36,150 fine, according to the report. Moreover, it joins platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s Facebook and Instagram on the banned list of foreign platforms. Those platforms were banned two years ago, coinciding with the first invasion of Ukraine in February of that year.
The ongoing tensions between Russia and the West have been undeniable. Indeed, Moscow has embraced its BRICS alliance to allow increased competition in global finance. Specifically, in the global south, as it is seeking to lessen Western reliance internationally.