Discord is rolling out end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls

In a significant update for privacy-conscious users, Discord is rolling out end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for its voice and video calls. This move brings Discord, a popular communication platform among gamers, developers, and communities, in line with other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, which have long offered E2EE to protect user conversations from external access.

What is End-to-End Encryption?

End-to-end encryption ensures that only the people participating in a conversation can access its contents. This means that even Discord itself will not be able to view or listen to your voice and video calls. The data is encrypted on the sender’s device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device, making it virtually impossible for anyone—hackers, governments, or even Discord—to intercept or access the communication in transit.

“End-to-end encryption is a major step forward in ensuring the privacy and security of conversations on Discord. This ensures that user communications remain confidential, protected from third parties,” said Stan Vishnevskiy, CTO of Discord, during the announcement (Discord Blog).

Why This Matters

Discord has grown exponentially since its launch, expanding beyond its gaming roots to become a platform for communities, businesses, and social groups. With over 150 million monthly active users as of 2023, the platform is now a hub for diverse conversations ranging from casual chats to professional meetings. With the introduction of end-to-end encryption, Discord is addressing growing concerns around privacy and data security, especially as more sensitive conversations and personal data are exchanged on the platform.

According to TechCrunch, the growing demand for secure communication tools has led platforms like Discord to prioritize encryption to meet user expectations for privacy protection, particularly as cyber threats become more sophisticated (source).

How End-to-End Encryption Works on Discord

With this new feature, voice and video calls made through private DMs and group calls will now be fully encrypted. The encryption ensures that no one—except the sender and the intended recipient(s)—can access or tamper with the content of the calls. Encryption keys are stored on users’ devices rather than on Discord’s servers, providing an extra layer of security.

The feature will roll out gradually, starting with personal one-on-one calls, followed by group calls and eventually extending to larger community calls hosted on Discord servers. Users can identify encrypted calls by a lock icon that appears in the call interface, similar to other encrypted messaging platforms like Signal or WhatsApp.

“With end-to-end encryption, Discord continues to prioritize user privacy and data security, ensuring that every call and message is kept secure and private,” said Jane Wong, a privacy researcher and journalist, who has followed Discord’s evolution closely (source).

How This Compares to Other Platforms

Discord’s move to roll out end-to-end encryption puts it on par with other popular communication platforms that already offer this feature. WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram have long offered encrypted communications, and Discord’s adoption of E2EE shows the company’s commitment to privacy amidst growing concerns about data breaches and cyberattacks.

While Zoom introduced end-to-end encryption in 2020 following a surge in privacy concerns during the pandemic, Discord’s rollout of E2EE for calls further enhances its competitiveness in the communication space, particularly for users who prioritize privacy.

“As digital communication becomes more central to daily life, platforms that offer robust encryption will lead in the race for user trust and loyalty,” said Bruce Schneier, a prominent cryptographer and security expert (Bruce Schneier Blog).

Privacy Concerns and Future Developments

While the introduction of end-to-end encryption is a positive step for privacy, it does come with its challenges. E2EE can limit Discord’s ability to moderate conversations for violations of community guidelines, such as harassment or hate speech. However, Discord has indicated that the encryption will apply only to voice and video calls, and not to broader server communications—where moderation tools remain intact.

Furthermore, Wired reports that Discord plans to introduce more user-controlled privacy settings to give users full control over the balance between security and moderation (Wired).

What’s Next for Discord?

As Discord continues to expand its reach, the platform is increasingly catering to users seeking more secure, private communication. With end-to-end encryption, Discord is positioning itself as a leading player in the privacy-first communication space. Given the platform’s growing adoption among developers, businesses, and other professional users, Discord’s privacy and security updates will likely play a crucial role in its long-term success.

For updates on Discord’s privacy features and more tech developments, follow @cerebrixorg on social media.