DICT: No hidden motives in gov’t actions on Discord, Reddit

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) chief Henry Aguda on Thursday, Sept. 24, said that the government’s directives on some online platforms have no other motives. His pronouncements came after the DICT, together with its attached agency Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), announced it lifted the ban imposed on Discord. “We are not looking for any hidden motives,” Aguda said in a televised briefing, referring to the government’s actions on platforms like Discord and Reddit. He added that the government’s actions are “for the protection of the public and the integrity of our cyberspace.” The DICT and CICC had previously imposed a ban on Discord, citing concerns over its use in facilitating cybercrimes. However, Aguda clarified that the ban has now been lifted, indicating a potential shift in strategy or improved collaboration with the platform. The government’s stance on these online platforms reflects a broader trend of increased scrutiny and regulation of digital spaces by governments worldwide, driven by concerns over national security, public order, and the spread of misinformation.