Russia & Turkey blocked ‘Discord’ for spreading illegal content

Discord, an Instant messenger was unexpectedly blocked in Russia and Turkey yesterday, reportedly due to illegal activities occurring on the platform. This restriction has left legitimate users in both countries unable to access the website or connect to its services.

According to the reports on Reddit (1, 2), starting Thursday, many Discord users complained that they can no longer load the website or app unless they use a VPN or proxy, which worked effectively as a temporary solution for now. The blocks on both Russia and Turkey came suddenly and without warning, and many impacted users have taken online to protest the decision.

Originally launched as a communication and community hub for gamers, Discord has since grown to cater to a wide variety of interest groups and professionals from diverse fields. However, the platform has also become a hotbed of illegal activity, with hacking groups and threat actors using the platform to plan cyberattacks, conduct cybercrime, or receive stolen data.

Russia and Turkey have both taken action to block Discord, citing concerns over the spread of illegal content. This move comes as both countries ramp up efforts to control online platforms they claim are being used for unlawful activities, including the dissemination of inappropriate, dangerous, or politically sensitive material.

Another reason is that both Russia and Turkey, governments closely monitor and regulate online platforms for politically sensitive content that could be seen as critical of the state. Platforms that allow anonymous and secure communication are often scrutinized, as they could be used for activism, organizing protests, or spreading content that challenges governmental authority.