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{{ProductPage
|infobox_logo=Discord.svg


{{InfoboxCompany
|infobox_1_key=Founded
| Name = Discord Inc.
|infobox_1_value=2015
| Type = Private
 
| Founded = 2015
|infobox_2_key=Company Type
| Industry = Software
|infobox_2_value=Private
| Official Website = https://discord.com
 
| Logo = Discord.svg
|infobox_3_key=Industry
}}
|infobox_3_value=Software
'''[[Wikipedia:Discord|Discord]]''' is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.) being co-founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.<ref name="co-founders">[https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html "There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All"]. May 3, 2018. ''Inc.''. Retrieved January 23, 2025.</ref> Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While primarily marketed toward gamers, Discord has expanded to serve various communities and use cases.<ref name="about-company">[https://discord.com/company/ "About Discord | Our Mission and Values"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>


==Consumer protection summary==
|infobox_4_key=Official Website
|infobox_4_value=https://discord.com


====Privacy====
|description='''Discord''' is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.) co-founded by [[Jason Citron]] and [[Stanislav Vishnevskiy]].<ref>Gonzalez, Guadalupe (May 3, 2018). [https://www.inc.com/guadalupe-gonzalez/30-under-30-2018-discord.html "There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All"]. ''inc.com''. Retrieved January 23, 2025.</ref> Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While primarily marketed toward gamers, Discord has expanded to serve various communities and use cases.<ref name="about-company">[https://discord.com/company/ "About Discord | Our Mission and Values"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
* {{HoverImportant}}
Collects extensive user data including messages, voice communications, and server participation<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://discord.com/privacy/ "Discord Privacy Policy"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
* {{HoverImportant}}
Claims broad rights to user-generated content through terms of service<ref name="terms-of-service">[https://discord.com/terms/ "Discord's Terms of Service"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
* {{HoverImportant}}
May store deleted messages for undefined periods<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed" with unclear retention periods<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Processes user content for safety features and platform improvement<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Uses behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information<ref name="privacy-policy" />


====Transparency====
|summary_privacy_1=Collects extensive user data including messages, voice communications, and server participation.<ref name="privacy-policy">[https://discord.com/privacy/ "Discord Privacy Policy"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
* {{HoverImportant}}
|summary_privacy_2=Claims broad rights to user-generated content through terms of service.<ref name="terms-of-service">[https://discord.com/terms/ "Discord's Terms of Service"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_3=May store deleted messages for undefined periods.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
* {{HoverImportant}}
|summary_privacy_4=Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed" with unclear retention periods.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
Vague about specific data retention time frames<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_5=Processes user content for safety features and platform improvement.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Privacy policy written in relatively clear language compared to industry standards<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_6=Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Provides clear community guidelines with defined enforcement procedures<ref name="community-guidelines">[https://discord.com/guidelines/ "Discord Community Guidelines"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
|summary_privacy_7=Uses behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions<ref name="community-guidelines" />
|summary_privacy_8=Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Server ban appeals process lacks transparency<ref name="community-guidelines" />
*Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*No clear disclosure of how content is used for platform improvement<ref name="privacy-policy" />


====Freedom====
|summary_freedom_1=Mandatory [[Forced Arbitration|binding arbitration]] with [[class action|class-action]] waiver for U.S. users (Started May 15, 2024).<ref name="terms-of-service" />
* {{HoverImportant}}
|summary_freedom_2=Users grant perpetual, transferable license to their content.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
Mandatory [[Forced Arbitration|binding arbitration]] with [[class action]] waiver for U.S. users (Started May 15, 2024)<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_3=Users must accept broad terms of service that allow unilateral changes.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
* {{HoverImportant}}
|summary_freedom_4=Can terminate accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
Users grant perpetual, transferable license to their content<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_5=No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Users must accept broad terms of service that allow unilateral changes<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_6=Content may be retained by Discord even after deletion.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Can terminate accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_7=Server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
*No option to opt-out of core data collection while using the service<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_freedom_8=Forced to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
*Content may be retained by Discord even after deletion<ref name="privacy-policy" />
*Server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned<ref name="terms-of-service" />
*Forced to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions<ref name="terms-of-service" />


==Consumer protection incidents==
|summary_transparency_1=Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_transparency_2=Vague about specific data retention time frames.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_transparency_3=Privacy policy written in relatively clear language compared to industry standards.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_transparency_4=Provides clear community guidelines with defined enforcement procedures.<ref name="community-guidelines">[https://discord.com/guidelines/ "Discord Community Guidelines"]. April 15, 2024. ''Discord''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
|summary_transparency_5=Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions.<ref name="community-guidelines" />
*Server ban appeals process lacks transparency.<ref name="community-guidelines" />
|summary_transparency_6=Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_transparency_7=No clear disclosure of how content is used for platform improvement.<ref name="privacy-policy" />


====FTC data collection investigation (Sep. 2024)====
|incidents_1_title=FTC data collection investigation
In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data collection practices as part of a broader investigation into social media platforms.<ref>[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"]. September 2024. ''Federal Trade Commission''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
|incidents_1_date=Sep. 2024
|incidents_1_text=In September 2024, the [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data-collection practices as part of a broader investigation into social-media platforms.<ref>[https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services"]. September 2024. ''Federal Trade Commission''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>


The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
*Message content and metadata
*Message content and metadata.
*Voice chat participation
*Voice-chat participation.
*Server membership and activity
*Server membership and activity.
*Device and location information
*Device and location information.


Particular concern was raised about:
Particular concern was raised about:
*Collection of data from users under 13
*Collection of data from users under 13.
*Handling of minor user information
*Handling of minor user information.
*Inadequate age verification systems
*Inadequate age-verification systems.


The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
*Identity theft exposure
*Identity-theft exposure.
*Potential stalking risks
*Potential stalking risks.
*Discrimination concerns
*Discrimination concerns.
*Mental health and emotional impact
*Mental health and emotional impact.


The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices created unacceptable risks for users, particularly minors, and called for significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.<ref>Tolentino, Daysia (September 19, 2024). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'"]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices created unacceptable risks for users, particularly minors, and called for significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.<ref>Tolentino, Daysia (September 19, 2024). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'"]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>


====Introduction of forced arbitration (Mar. 2024)====
|incidents_2_title=Introduction of forced arbitration
In March 2024, Discord users were notified via email that [[Forced Arbitration|forced arbitration]] would be added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]] on April 15, 2024. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within 30 days of April 15, 2024 or registration of their first account.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|incidents_2_date=Mar. 2024
|incidents_2_text=In March 2024, Discord users were notified via email that [[Forced Arbitration|forced arbitration]] would be added to the [[Terms of Service|terms of service]] on April 15, 2024. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within 30 days of April 15, 2024 or registration of their first account.<ref name="terms-of-service" />


====Child safety concerns (Jun. 2023)====
|incidents_3_title=Child safety concerns
An [[NBC News]] investigation in June 2023<ref>Goggin, Ben (June 21, 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref> uncovered widespread child safety issues on Discord, revealing systematic problems with the platform's user protection measures.
|incidents_3_date=Jun. 2023
|incidents_3_text=An [[NBC News]] investigation in June 2023<ref>Goggin, Ben (June 21, 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions"]. ''NBC News''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref> uncovered widespread child-safety issues on Discord, revealing systematic problems with the platform's user protection measures.


35 separate cases were identified where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material on the platform were documented.
Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material on the platform were documented.
 
}}
Discord stated they had increased safety measures, including:
[[Category:Discord]]
*Enhanced age verification systems
*Improved automated detection tools
*Increased moderation staff
 
Despite these measures, investigations showed continuing vulnerabilities in Discord's youth protection systems.<ref>Winston, Ali (March 15, 2024). [https://web.archive.org/web/20250101094320/https://www.wired.com/story/764-com-child-predator-network/ "There Are Dark Corners of the Internet. Then There's 764"]. ''WIRED''. Archived from the original on January 1, 2025. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref>
 
====Fined for GDPR violations (Nov. 2022====
In November 2022, France's privacy regulator [[CNIL]] imposed an €800,000 fine on Discord for multiple GDPR violations<ref>Brunoli, Joseph (November 18, 2022). [https://www.techzine.eu/news/privacy-compliance/94722/france-fines-discord-e800000-for-privacy-infractions/ "France fines Discord €800,000 for privacy infractions"]. ''Techzine Europe''. Retrieved January 16, 2025.</ref> that demonstrated systematic privacy protection failures:
*Background Process Violation: The application continued running in the background after users attempted to close it, collecting data without user awareness or consent.
*Voice Chat Privacy Issue: The platform failed to properly disconnect users from voice chats after session termination, potentially exposing private communications.
*Security Standards Violation: Discord allowed users to create passwords with as few as six characters, falling below accepted security standards for protecting user accounts.
*Data Protection Failures: The investigation revealed broader systematic failures in Discord's approach to user privacy protection and data handling.
 
==References==
<references />
 
[[Category:Products]]
[[Category:Companies]]
[[Category:Online Services Companies]]

Latest revision as of 10:03, 5 March 2025

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Basic Information
Founded 2015
Company Type Private
Industry Software
Official Website https://discord.com

Discord is a proprietary VoIP and instant-messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel, Inc.) co-founded by Jason Citron and Stanislav Vishnevskiy.[1] Launched in 2015, the service has grown to over 150 million monthly active users as of 2025. While primarily marketed toward gamers, Discord has expanded to serve various communities and use cases.[2]

Consumer impact[edit source]

Privacy[edit source]

  • Collects extensive user data including messages, voice communications, and server participation.[3]
  • Claims broad rights to user-generated content through terms of service.[4]
  • May store deleted messages for undefined periods.[3]
  • Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed" with unclear retention periods.[3]
  • Processes user content for safety features and platform improvement.[3]
  • Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers.[3]
  • Uses behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization.[3]
  • Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information.[3]

Freedom[edit source]

  • Mandatory binding arbitration with class-action waiver for U.S. users (Started May 15, 2024).[4]
  • Users grant perpetual, transferable license to their content.[4]
  • Users must accept broad terms of service that allow unilateral changes.[4]
  • Can terminate accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion.[4]
  • No option to opt out of core data collection while using the service.[3]
  • Content may be retained by Discord even after deletion.[3]
  • Server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned.[4]
  • Forced to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.[4]

Transparency[edit source]

  • Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests.[3]
  • Vague about specific data retention time frames.[3]
  • Privacy policy written in relatively clear language compared to industry standards.[3]
  • Provides clear community guidelines with defined enforcement procedures.[5]
  • Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions.[5]
  • Server ban appeals process lacks transparency.[5]
  • Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors.[3]
  • No clear disclosure of how content is used for platform improvement.[3]

Consumer-protection incidents[edit source]

FTC data collection investigation (Sep. 2024)

In September 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a comprehensive report examining Discord's data-collection practices as part of a broader investigation into social-media platforms.[6]

The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:

  • Message content and metadata.
  • Voice-chat participation.
  • Server membership and activity.
  • Device and location information.

Particular concern was raised about:

  • Collection of data from users under 13.
  • Handling of minor user information.
  • Inadequate age-verification systems.

The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:

  • Identity-theft exposure.
  • Potential stalking risks.
  • Discrimination concerns.
  • Mental health and emotional impact.

The FTC concluded that Discord's data practices created unacceptable risks for users, particularly minors, and called for significant reforms to the platform's privacy protection measures.[7]

Introduction of forced arbitration (Mar. 2024)

In March 2024, Discord users were notified via email that forced arbitration would be added to the terms of service on April 15, 2024. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within 30 days of April 15, 2024 or registration of their first account.[4]

Child safety concerns (Jun. 2023)

An NBC News investigation in June 2023[8] uncovered widespread child-safety issues on Discord, revealing systematic problems with the platform's user protection measures.

Investigators identified 35 separate cases where adults were criminally charged with "kidnapping, grooming, or sexual assault" involving contacts initiated through Discord. Additionally, 165 criminal prosecutions involving the sharing of child sexual exploitation material on the platform were documented.

References[edit source]

  1. ↑ Gonzalez, Guadalupe (May 3, 2018). "There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All". inc.com. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
  2. ↑ "About Discord | Our Mission and Values". April 15, 2024. Discord. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 "Discord Privacy Policy". April 15, 2024. Discord. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 "Discord's Terms of Service". April 15, 2024. Discord. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Discord Community Guidelines". April 15, 2024. Discord. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  6. ↑ "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services". September 2024. Federal Trade Commission. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  7. ↑ Tolentino, Daysia (September 19, 2024). "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'". NBC News. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
  8. ↑ Goggin, Ben (June 21, 2023). "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions". NBC News. Retrieved January 16, 2025.
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