Russia Orders Discord to Remove Nearly 1,000 Posts Allegedly Containing Illegal Materials, According to Reuters

Russia’s communications regulator has instructed the instant messaging platform Discord to remove nearly 1,000 pieces of content classified as illegal, including posts that allegedly contain child pornography and advocate for drug abuse, according to a report from the TASS news agency.

Neither Discord, based in San Francisco, nor the regulator, Roskomnadzor, provided immediate comments on the matter.

Roskomnadzor has specified that it is seeking the removal of 947 illegal items, which include posts that “contain child pornography, incite extremism, involve minors in unlawful activities, promote suicide, advocate for LGBT issues, and endorse drug use.”

For several years, Russia has been directing foreign technology platforms to eliminate content it considers illegal, frequently imposing relatively small fines for non-compliance.

Last year, Moscow expanded its restrictions on what it terms “LGBT propaganda” as part of a larger effort to suppress LGBT rights, aligning with President Vladimir Putin’s promotion of traditional values.

Discord has faced criticism for previously not adequately removing banned content, as noted by Roskomnadzor. Recently, the platform was fined 3.5 million roubles due to illegal content.

Moreover, Russia has a history of banning social media platforms that do not adhere to its content regulations.