Overview
Discord originated as a gaming communication platform but has expanded to communities and increasingly workplace teams. Our analysis reveals more individual user control than enterprise alternatives, but extensive data collection for personalization and content recommendations. Server owners have access to basic analytics but not full message exports like enterprise tools.
Key Concerns
- Extensive Data Collection: Discord collects message content, voice data, activity status, and behavioral data for personalization and ads.
- Broad Content License: Discord takes a worldwide, royalty-free license to use your content for service operation and promotion.
- Younger User Base: Terms allow ages 13+ but content moderation challenges persist with younger users.
- Bot and Integration Access: Third-party bots can access messages with broad permissions that users may not fully understand.
- Account Termination: Discord can terminate accounts for terms violations with limited appeal process.
Positive Aspects
- User-Controlled Deletion: Users can delete their own messages and request account data deletion.
- Privacy Settings: Granular privacy controls for DMs, friend requests, and server access.
- Data Download: Users can request a copy of their data through privacy settings.
- Free Core Features: Most communication features are free with optional Nitro subscription.
- Server Owner Control: Server owners can set moderation policies and access settings independently.
Data Collection Summary
Discord collects messages, voice chat metadata, files shared, friend lists, server memberships, activity status, device information, and usage patterns. Data is used for service operation, personalization, content recommendations, and advertising. Voice chat is processed for features but not stored long-term according to Discord's policies.