The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) directs Reddit and Discord to appoint resident agents or local representatives in the Philippines within 24 hours.

According to the CICC, their request to the two platforms aims to strengthen coordination on child safety concerns.

The order follows growing concerns about children being exposed on online platforms, which are used to spread violent extremist content or ideologies, leading them into danger.

According to CICC Executive Director Usec. Aboy Paraiso, the agency is not asking the platforms to police the internet for the government but to be reachable, accountable, and responsive when activities involving their platforms put the children and the communities at risk.

Aside from the order, the CICC also requests that the two platforms submit a written explanation regarding the arrangement and concrete plans to strengthen safety standards, rapid response mechanisms, and age-verification or age-assurance measures.

The CICC also seeks the participation of Discord and Reddit to provide a cooperative framework to address online exploitation of minors.

However, if the two platforms fail to comply, the CICC may coordinate with the authorities to restrict user access in the Philippines.

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