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{{Reflist}}
=== 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.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite class="citation web cs1">[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"] <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span>. ''Federal Trade Commission''. 11 Sep 2024. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919133855/https://www.ftc.gov/system/files/ftc_gov/pdf/Social-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf Archived] <span class="cs1-format">(PDF)</span> from the original on 19 Sep 2024<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">13 Jul</span> 2025</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=Federal+Trade+Commission&rft.atitle=A+Look+Behind+the+Screens%3A+Examining+the+Data+Practices+of+Social+Media+and+Video+Streaming+Services&rft.date=2024-09-11&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ftc.gov%2Fsystem%2Ffiles%2Fftc_gov%2Fpdf%2FSocial-Media-6b-Report-9-11-2024.pdf&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></span></ref>
 
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.<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFTolentino2024" class="citation web cs1">Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 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'<span class="cs1-kern-right"></span>"]. ''NBC News''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20240919171049/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/security/social-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814 Archived] from the original on 19 Sep 2024<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">13 Jul</span> 2025</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Social+media+companies+engaged+in+%27vast+surveillance%2C%27+FTC+finds%2C+calling+status+quo+%27unacceptable%27&rft.date=2024-09-19&rft.aulast=Tolentino&rft.aufirst=Daysia&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsecurity%2Fsocial-media-companies-engaged-vast-surveillance-ftc-finds-calling-sta-rcna171814&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></span></ref>
 
=== Introduction of forced arbitration (Mar. 2024) ===
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]] effective 15 April 2024. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within the thirty days preceding 15 April 2024, or registration of their first account.<ref name="terms-of-service" />
 
=== Child safety concerns (Jun. 2023) ===
An [[wikipedia:NBC News|NBC News]] investigation in June 2023<ref><templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles><cite id="CITEREFGoggin2023" class="citation web cs1">Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 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''. [https://web.archive.org/web/20230621152318/https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/social-media/discord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769 Archived] from the original on 21 Jun 2023<span class="reference-accessdate">. Retrieved <span class="nowrap">13 Jul</span> 2025</span>.</cite><span title="ctx_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info%3Aofi%2Ffmt%3Akev%3Amtx%3Ajournal&rft.genre=unknown&rft.jtitle=NBC+News&rft.atitle=Child+predators+are+using+Discord%2C+a+popular+app+among+teens%2C+for+sextortion+and+abductions&rft.date=2023-06-21&rft.aulast=Goggin&rft.aufirst=Ben&rft_id=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbcnews.com%2Ftech%2Fsocial-media%2Fdiscord-child-safety-social-platform-challenges-rcna89769&rfr_id=info%3Asid%2Fconsumerrights.wiki%3ADiscord" class="Z3988"></span></ref> uncovered widespread child-safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic 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.
 
=== Irresponsible moderation practices ===
{{Main|Discord's irresponsible moderation}}
Reported countlessly by users on the BBB<ref name=":0" /> and Trustpilot,<ref name=":1" /> users have complained about how Discord's moderation is extremely vague. One such user reported their account being banned to the BBB,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mir |first=Zain |date=Jul 23, 2025 |title=BBB Complaint |url=https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/computer-software/discord-inc-1116-918699/complaints?page=2#1116_918699_23643523 |access-date=Aug 1, 2025 |website=Better Business Bureau}}</ref> with an automated system handling the entire process, without having a human involved in the appeal process.
 
==References==
<references />


[[Category:Discord]]
[[Category:Discord]]

Revision as of 02:50, 2 August 2025


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

Privacy

  • 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

  • Mandatory binding arbitration with class-action waiver for U.S. users (Started 15 May 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

  • 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

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 effective 15 April 2024. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within the thirty days preceding 15 April 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 systemic 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

  1. ↑ Gonzalez, Guadalupe (3 May 2018). "There Are 2.6 Billion Online Gamers in the World. This Startup Just May Connect Them All". Inc. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  2. ↑ "About Discord | Our Mission and Values". Discord. 15 Apr 2024. Archived from the original on 8 Jun 2025. Retrieved 13 Jul 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". Discord. 15 Mar 2024. Archived from the original on 15 Mar 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 "Discord's Terms of Service". Discord. 15 Mar 2024. Archived from the original on 16 Mar 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Discord Community Guidelines". Discord. 15 Mar 2024. Archived from the original on 15 Mar 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  6. ↑ "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services" (PDF). Federal Trade Commission. 11 Sep 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  7. ↑ Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 2024). "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'". NBC News. Archived from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  8. ↑ Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions". NBC News. Archived from the original on 21 Jun 2023. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.


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.[1]

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.[2]

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 effective 15 April 2024. Users could opt out by sending an 'opt-out notice' to [email protected] within the thirty days preceding 15 April 2024, or registration of their first account.[3]

Child safety concerns (Jun. 2023)

An NBC News investigation in June 2023[4] uncovered widespread child-safety issues on Discord, revealing systemic 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.

Irresponsible moderation practices

Main article: Discord's irresponsible moderation

Reported countlessly by users on the BBB[5] and Trustpilot,[6] users have complained about how Discord's moderation is extremely vague. One such user reported their account being banned to the BBB,[7] with an automated system handling the entire process, without having a human involved in the appeal process.

References

  1. ↑ "A Look Behind the Screens: Examining the Data Practices of Social Media and Video Streaming Services" (PDF). Federal Trade Commission. 11 Sep 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  2. ↑ Tolentino, Daysia (19 Sep 2024). "Social media companies engaged in 'vast surveillance,' FTC finds, calling status quo 'unacceptable'". NBC News. Archived from the original on 19 Sep 2024. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  3. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named terms-of-service
  4. ↑ Goggin, Ben (21 Jun 2023). "Child predators are using Discord, a popular app among teens, for sextortion and abductions". NBC News. Archived from the original on 21 Jun 2023. Retrieved 13 Jul 2025.
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :0
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  7. ↑ Mir, Zain (Jul 23, 2025). "BBB Complaint". Better Business Bureau. Retrieved Aug 1, 2025.
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