Discord has joined WhatsApp, Signal, and other popular messengers by implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for audio and video calls on its platform. Now, even Discord itself cannot access the content of users’ conversations during these calls, according to TechCrunch.
The Growing Importance of E2EE
End-to-end encryption, which was a rare feature just a decade ago, has now become standard across many popular messengers, including iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, and Facebook Messenger. Discord, originally designed as a communication platform for gamers during online gameplay, has evolved into a popular gathering place for diverse user groups, making privacy a growing concern.
With 200 million monthly active users, Discord announced last year its intention to introduce E2EE for audio and video calls. This technology is now finally available. “Today, we’re starting to transition voice and video calls in private messages, group chats, voice channels, and Go Live streams to E2EE. You will be able to personally verify that your calls are protected by end-to-end encryption,” wrote Stephen Birarda, a Discord engineer responsible for audio and video infrastructure, in a blog post.
Text Messaging Exclusion from E2EE
However, Birarda noted that text messages on Discord will not yet be encrypted using E2EE, as it is “inextricably linked to the company’s security policies.” While audio and video will now be protected by encryption, text messages will continue to be processed in line with Discord’s approach to content moderation. Discord representative Kellyn Slone also informed TechCrunch that the company has no immediate plans to introduce encryption for personal or group chats.
The protocol for E2EE has been published on GitHub and approved by cybersecurity consulting firm Trail of Bits, adds NIX Solutions. The source code of the protocol is also open to the public.
We’ll keep you updated as new developments emerge.