The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) directs Reddit and Discord to establish a local presence in the Philippines, linking the move to investigations of online communities connected to recent school shootings. In initial actions, the CICC gives both platforms a 24-hour deadline to comply by designating a resident agent or local representative, with warnings that noncompliance could lead to restrictions or blocked access.
On Wednesday, the CICC extends the deadline after Reddit and Discord respond and coordinate with the government. GMA News reports the extension as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with digital platforms, especially after the platforms express willingness to work with authorities on online threats. Inquirer notes the extension follows the agency’s earlier request for them to set up offices, while underscoring the government’s broader concern about rising school violence and online grooming.
Across the outlets, the outlets agree the CICC’s demands are tied to law enforcement review of activity around suspected perpetrators’ online communities. They also report that authorities have not established that the online community caused or directly contributed to the attacks. Inquirer additionally notes Malacañang discusses openness to proposals that would require franchises for social media platforms to operate in the country.
