Discord has introduced end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for voice and video calls, giving users more privacy during conversations.
But what exactly does end-to-end encryption mean?
It ensures that only the participants on a call can see or hear the conversation — no one else, not even Discord, can access the content. This makes your voice and video chats fully private.
This new encryption feature applies to voice and video calls made in direct messages (DMs), group DMs, voice channels, and Go Live streams. When using these features, users will see confirmation that their call is encrypted and will be able to verify other participants using codes provided during the call.
However, it’s important to note that this encryption only applies to voice and video calls, not text messages. While audio and video chats are secured, regular text messages on Discord will continue to be moderated and are not end-to-end encrypted.
Discord has been working on this update since last year, and they teamed up with cybersecurity experts at Trail of Bits to make sure the new encryption protocol is secure. They’ve also made their encryption methods publicly available for anyone to review.
Despite the added security, users won’t notice any changes in how Discord works. The platform’s high-quality voice and video experience stays the same, with the added benefit of more privacy for calls.
The importance of end-to-end encryption lies in its fundamental role in protecting users’ privacy and ensuring the security of their conversations. With end-to-end encryption, no external party, including the service provider, can access the content of the conversations. This type of encryption has become a standard feature in many major applications that prioritize security and privacy. For instance, apps like Signal and WhatsApp use similar technology to protect messages and voice or video calls, ensuring that only the participants in the conversation can view the content. This encryption gives users peace of mind when discussing or sharing sensitive information, and it helps mitigate risks of hacking and digital espionage.
What’s Discord?
Discord is a popular social communication app launched in 2015, primarily aimed at facilitating communication among online gamers. The app offers a combination of text messaging, voice and video calls, and live streaming, allowing users to interact in both large and small groups.
Discord’s usage has expanded to include various communities, ranging from enthusiasts to professionals, and it is widely used by people who want to connect around shared interests, whether in video games, technology, arts, or even study and work.
The app is known for its ease of use and supports the creation of private servers for group chats, making it well-suited for building virtual communities that enable organized and immediate communication.