Russian authorities are reportedly considering blocking the popular messaging platform Discord, which has between 29 and 40 million active users in the country. The platform, known for its virtual communities and used by gamers, students, and cryptocurrency traders, is under scrutiny by Roskomnadzor, the state media regulator, with five rulings issued this month.
The potential ban is based on allegations of Discord breaking Russian law, although specific violations have not been disclosed. Gaming industry insiders are bracing for the impact, following recent government actions against YouTube, and users in Russia have already experienced outages on the platform.
Video game industry expert Vasily Ovchinnikov suggests that users may have to seek alternative platforms in the event of a ban. While there are currently no direct Russian alternatives, he anticipates the emergence of domestic clones or Chinese alternatives to fill the void.
As the situation unfolds, the future of Discord in Russia remains uncertain, prompting users and industry players to consider their options as authorities weigh potential restrictions.
