Discord: Difference between revisions
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==== Freedom ==== | ==== Freedom ==== | ||
'''Status:''' Significant Concerns | '''Status:''' Significant Concerns | ||
* Mandatory binding arbitration with class action waiver for U.S. users | * Mandatory binding arbitration with class action waiver for U.S. users (Started May 15, 2024)<ref name="terms-of-service"/> | ||
* Users must accept broad terms of service that allow unilateral changes<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"/> | * Can terminate accounts without prior notice at Discord's discretion<ref name="terms-of-service"/> | ||
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* Server owners have limited recourse if their servers are banned<ref name="terms-of-service"/> | * 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 to use Discord's payment processing for all monetary transactions<ref name="terms-of-service"/> | ||
== Consumer Protection Incidents == | == Consumer Protection Incidents == | ||
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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>. | 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>. | ||
The investigation revealed Discord collects extensive user data, including: | |||
* Message content and metadata | * Message content and metadata | ||
* Voice chat participation | * Voice chat participation | ||
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* Device and location information | * Device and location information | ||
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: | |||
* Identity theft exposure | * Identity theft exposure | ||
* Potential stalking risks | * Potential stalking risks | ||
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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) ==== | |||
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) ==== | ==== Child Safety Concerns (Jun. 2023) ==== | ||
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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. | 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. | ||
Discord stated they had increased safety measures, including: | |||
* Enhanced age verification systems | * Enhanced age verification systems | ||
* Improved automated detection tools | * Improved automated detection tools | ||
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==== Fined for GDPR Violations (Nov. 2022) ==== | ==== 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: | 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 == | ||