(Credit: Discord)
Discord has introduced a new end-to-end encryption (E2EE) system, dubbed DAVE, for video and voice calls. It will be the new standard security protocol on the site, and is rolling out now for all calls in direct messages, group messages, voice channels, and Go Live streams.
To verify when voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted, check the Voice/Video Details and look for a green lock icon. Discord also launched a new verification key system to confirm others on the call are who they say, "and not an impersonating attacker," Discord says.
(Credit: Discord Help Center)With DAVE, not even Discord knows what call participants are gabbing about. "During E2EE A/V calls, no one but the participants can access the contents of ongoing audio and video conversations," Discord says. "Outsiders, including Discord itself, never know the media encryption keys."
Written messages on Discord forums will not use the new E2EE protocol, and will continue to follow the platform's standard content moderation approach.
Discord began investigating E2EE for calls in August 2023. It developed DAVE in partnership with cybersecurity firm Trail of Bits, which reviewed the design and helped implement the code. Discord released a protocol whitepaper with more information on how the system works.
Discord says there will be no reduction in call quality for its reported 200 million monthly users.
"Everyone should continue to experience Discord calls as they always have: chatting with friends without needing to think about the underlying technology and protocols," says Discord.