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{{InfoboxProductLine
{{ToneWarning}}
| Title = Discord
{{ProductPage
| Release Year = 2015
|infobox_logo=Discord.svg
| Product Type = Messaging/VoIP Platform
| In Production = Yes
| Official Website = https://discord.com
| Logo = Discord.svg|thumb|The logo for Discord
}}
Discord is a proprietary VoIP and instant messaging platform developed by Discord Inc. (formerly Hammer & Chisel). 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 Profile ==
|infobox_1_key=Founded
|infobox_1_value=2015


==== Privacy ====
|infobox_2_key=Company Type
'''Status:''' Significant Concerns
|infobox_2_value=Private
* 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>
* 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"/>
* May store deleted messages for undefined periods<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* 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>


==== Transparency ====
|infobox_3_key=Industry
'''Status:''' Moderate Concerns
|infobox_3_value=Software
* Privacy policy written in relatively clear language compared to industry standards<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>
* Limited transparency regarding content moderation decisions<ref name="community-guidelines"/>
* Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Server ban appeals process lacks transparency<ref name="community-guidelines"/>
* Limited disclosure of recommendation algorithm factors<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* Vague about specific data retention time frames<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* No clear disclosure of how content is used for platform improvement<ref name="privacy-policy"/>


==== Freedom ====
|infobox_4_key=Official Website
'''Status:''' Significant Concerns
|infobox_4_value=https://discord.com
* Mandatory binding arbitration with class action waiver for U.S. users<ref name="terms-of-service"/> (Users could opt out until May 15, 2024 via email<ref name="terms-of-service" />)
* Users must accept broad terms of service that allow unilateral changes<ref name="terms-of-service"/>
* 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"/>
* No option to opt-out of core data collection while using the service<ref name="privacy-policy"/>
* 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"/> 


== Forced Arbitration ==
|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>
[[File:Discord Terms Of Service update notice.png|thumb]]
Forced arbitration was added to discord's Terms of Service on April 15, 2024<ref name="terms-of-service" />. This was notified to users via an email sent on March 30, 2024. Users could opt out of this by sending an email to opt-out notice to arbitration-opt-out@discord.com until May 15, 2024. There is no longer a way to opt out of this as of January 16, 2025.


== Consumer Protection Incidents ==
|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>
|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>
|summary_privacy_3=May store deleted messages for undefined periods.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_4=Retains personal information until deemed "no longer needed" with unclear retention periods.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_5=Processes user content for safety features and platform improvement.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_6=Shares data with related companies, vendors, and third-party service providers.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_7=Uses behavioral tracking across platform features for personalization.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_privacy_8=Maintains logs of IP addresses and device information.<ref name="privacy-policy" />


==== FTC Data Collection Investigation (Sep. 2024) ====
|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" />
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>.
|summary_freedom_2=Users grant perpetual, transferable license to their content.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_3=Users must accept broad terms of service that allow unilateral changes.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_4=Can terminate accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion.<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" />
|summary_freedom_6=Content may be retained by Discord even after deletion.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
|summary_freedom_7=Server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
|summary_freedom_8=Forced to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions.<ref name="terms-of-service" />


'''The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:'''
|summary_transparency_1=Unclear processes for handling law enforcement requests.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
* Message content and metadata
|summary_transparency_2=Vague about specific data retention time frames.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
* Voice chat participation
|summary_transparency_3=Privacy policy written in relatively clear language compared to industry standards.<ref name="privacy-policy" />
* Server membership and activity
|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>
* Device and location information
|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" />


'''Particular concern was raised about:'''
|incidents_1_title=FTC data collection investigation
* Collection of data from users under 13
|incidents_1_date=Sep. 2024
* Handling of minor user information
|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>
* Inadequate age verification systems


'''The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:'''
The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including:
* Identity theft exposure
*Message content and metadata.
* Potential stalking risks
*Voice-chat participation.
* Discrimination concerns
*Server membership and activity.
* Mental health and emotional impact
*Device and location information.


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


==== Child Safety Concerns (Jun. 2023) ====
The FTC identified multiple areas where Discord's practices put users at risk:
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.
*Identity-theft exposure.
*Potential stalking risks.
*Discrimination concerns.
*Mental health and emotional impact.


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.
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>


'''Discord stated they had increased safety measures, including:'''
|incidents_2_title=Introduction of forced arbitration
* Enhanced age verification systems
|incidents_2_date=Mar. 2024
* Improved automated detection tools
|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" />
* 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>.
|incidents_3_title=Child safety concerns
|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.


==== Fined for GDPR Violations (Nov. 2022) ====
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.
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.
[[Category:Discord]]
* '''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:Product Line]][[Category:Product]][[Category: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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