Cybersecurity agency clarifies extension granted only to Reddit, not Discord

MANILA, Philippines — The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) clarified that the extension granted to online platform Reddit does not cover Discord, which was also directed to establish a local presence in the Philippines.

In a clarification issued Wednesday, September 23, the CICC said Reddit was granted an extension after its officials met with the agency online within the prescribed 24-hour period and discussed commitments to strengthen online child safety.

“Reddit was granted an extension after its officials met with CICC online within the prescribed 24-hour period and engaged with the agency on specific commitments that the Philippines urgently needs to strengthen online child safety,” the CICC said in a statement posted on Facebook.

The agency said Discord, meanwhile, separately reached out through a letter to express its willingness to discuss its existing teen safety measures.

However, the CICC said no extension has been granted to Discord pending direct discussions with the platform and concrete commitments on the agency’s requirements.

The clarification came a day after the CICC directed Discord and Reddit to establish offices and designate resident agents or local representatives in the Philippines within 24 hours of receiving its letters dated September 21.

The two platforms were also asked to submit written explanations of their existing safety and age verification measures.

The CICC had warned that failure or refusal to comply could prompt the agency, in coordination with appropriate authorities, to restrict their operations or prohibit access to the platforms in the Philippines.

The CICC's directive came after the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato involving a 16-year-old Grade 9 student, in which three people died.

The agency said it is seeking the cooperation of Discord and Reddit in developing a framework addressing online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC), child sexual abuse or exploitation materials (CSAEM) and nihilistic violent extremism (NVE).

It also asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to help arrange meetings with executives of Discord, Reddit and Meta to discuss online threats linked to violence and the exploitation of children.

The CICC said Philippine authorities are continuing to examine Discord over the presence of extremist communities on the platform, including groups associated with NVE.

These groups, the agency said, have been linked to the radicalization and recruitment of minors involved in recent school shooting incidents in the country.

The CICC previously said the directive was intended to ensure that online platforms are “reachable, accountable, and responsive” when activities on their services put Filipino children and communities at risk.

The agency apologized for any confusion caused by the clarification.

“We regret any confusion or misunderstanding that this may have caused,” the CICC said. — with a report from Renalyn Ramirez

abtestabtest SC asked to void lowered vote threshold in Sara Duterte impeachment By Ian Laqui | 1 day ago Two petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the lowered voting threshold approved by the Senate... Headlines DICT chief backs bill requiring legislative franchises for social media platforms By Ian Laqui | 1 day ago Information and Communications Technology Chief Henry Aguda has expressed his support for a proposed bill in the House of... Headlines Mark Villar to remain with minority – Cayetano By Neil Jayson Servallos | 22 hours ago Sen. Mark Villar will remain with the minority bloc despite his recent vote to alter the conviction threshold denominator... Headlines Gatchalian: Without TRO, no stopping impeachment trial By Neil Jayson Servallos | 22 hours ago Unless restrained by the Supreme Court (SC), there is no stopping the Senate from proceeding with the impeachment trial of... Headlines Senate flags over 7,000 projects due to data anomalies By Neil Jayson Servallos | 22 hours ago Questioning the lapsed legal mandate of acting Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, the Senate flagged 7,107 Department of... Headlines Latest More in Headlines ‘Queenie’ almost a typhoon ‘Queenie’ keeps strength, may become typhoon as it exits PAR Sunday President Marcos grants Mary Jane Veloso absolute pardon P7 diesel price cut seen; LPG/kerosene excise tax suspended abtest Typhoons may bring unprecedented rainfall – UP study By Bella Cariaso | 22 hours ago Typhoons could bring unprecedented rainfall as the atmosphere warms, according to a 2026 study by experts from the University... Headlines VP Sara-Robin ahead of Leni-Bam in hypothetical matchup By Janvic Mateo | 22 hours ago A new survey by the OCTA Research group showed that more Filipinos prefer the hypothetical tandem of Vice President Sara Duterte... Headlines OVP defends relief operations flagged by COA By Bella Cariaso | 22 hours ago The Office of the Vice President (OVP) yesterday defended its relief operation discrepancies after the Commission on Audit... Headlines DOTr lifts suspension of PUV fare hike By Josiah Antonio | 22 hours ago The approved fare hike for public utility vehicles will finally be implemented after the Department of Transportation (DOTr)... Headlines SWS: 52 percent of Pinoys feel helpless vs corruption By Janvic Mateo | 22 hours ago A majority of Filipinos feel helpless about corruption in the government, a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS)... Headlines Recommended Kalbaryo ni Sara September 25, 2026 - 12:00am Kon gamay nang tan-awon ang 14 ka boto pagkonbikto ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte impeachment trial, dili pa kana mao. HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE Kon dili mokakak September 24, 2026 - 12:00am Kon pakuratan ni Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte ang publiko ug imbes sa naandan nga kakak motuman siya sa supina sa Senate impeachment court ug motambong sa husay sa sunod semana, kinahanglang karon pa lang mangandam...r HeadlinesBASTE DUTERTE Impeachment Court adopts CJ Davide's opinon September 24, 2026 - 12:00am The Senate Impeachment Court has amended its ruling, adopting the combined opinion of three chief justices Davide, Jr., Puno and Panganiban. HeadlinesIMPEACHMENT 16-vote requirement scrapped: New vote threshold September 24, 2026 - 12:00am Thirteen members of the Senate impeachment court voted Wednesday to overturn the fixed 16-vote requirement for convicting Vice President Sara Duterte, ruling that the two-thirds threshold should be based on senator-judges...r HeadlinesIMPEACHMENT Gipangita pang palusot September 23, 2026 - 12:00am Unsaon pagsagang ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte ang pasangil nga kalapasan sa 1987 Constitution ang padayon nga pagpanag-iya sa mga kompaniya nga gilista sa iyang Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth...r HeadlinesCONSTITUTION next Recommended Kalbaryo ni Sara Kon gamay nang tan-awon ang 14 ka boto pagkonbikto ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte impeachment trial, dili pa kana mao. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE Kon dili mokakak Kon pakuratan ni Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte ang publiko ug imbes sa naandan nga kakak motuman siya sa supina sa Senate impeachment court ug motambong sa husay sa sunod semana, kinahanglang karon pa lang mangandam na sa pagtubag sa mosunod nga mga pangutana: 2 days ago BASTE DUTERTE Impeachment Court adopts CJ Davide's opinon The Senate Impeachment Court has amended its ruling, adopting the combined opinion of three chief justices Davide, Jr., Puno and Panganiban. 2 days ago IMPEACHMENT 16-vote requirement scrapped: New vote threshold Thirteen members of the Senate impeachment court voted Wednesday to overturn the fixed 16-vote requirement for convicting Vice President Sara Duterte, ruling that the two-thirds threshold should be based on senator-judges who are legally and factually capable of participating in the proceedings. 2 days ago IMPEACHMENT Gipangita pang palusot Unsaon pagsagang ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte ang pasangil nga kalapasan sa 1987 Constitution ang padayon nga pagpanag-iya sa mga kompaniya nga gilista sa iyang Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALNs)? Duha ka posibleng depensa ang gipalutaw sa iyang kampo: 3 days ago CONSTITUTION OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!