The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has given Reddit and Discord 24 hours to establish a local presence in the Philippines as the government strengthens coordination with digital platforms over online threats involving minors and violence.
In separate letters dated September 21, the CICC directed the platforms to designate a resident agent or local representative who can facilitate Philippine jurisdiction and improve coordination with authorities.
“We are not asking platforms to police the internet for the government but to be reachable, accountable, and responsive when activities on their platforms put Filipino children and communities at risk,” CICC official Paraiso said. “When an online threat spills over into the real world, there has to be clear channel for authorities to act.”
The CICC also asked Reddit and Discord to submit written explanations of their existing arrangements and plans for strengthening safety standards, rapid response mechanisms, and age verification or age assurance measures.
The move follows concerns over the alleged dissemination of violent extremist content and the exploitation of minors online, particularly after the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
The agency warned that failure or refusal to comply could lead to measures, in coordination with appropriate authorities, to restrict the platforms’ operations or prohibit user access in the Philippines.
