Discord introduces end-to-end encryption for audio and video calls

Discord has launched end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for audio and video calls, applying the technology to calls from DMs, group DMs, voice channels, and Go Live streams.

The encryption, now available on both desktop and mobile clients, will be extended to additional clients next year.

The company has emphasized transparency with its encryption protocols, making details publicly accessible.

Discord assures users that call quality will not be compromised with the addition of E2EE. However, text messages will remain unencrypted to allow for moderation under Discord’s content rules.

E2EE has become increasingly prevalent on platforms like Signal, WhatsApp, and Zoom, where it’s offered as a default or optional feature for user communications.

Last year, Discord announced that they were experimenting with new encryption protocols and technologies for audio and video calls.

Now, the team has announced Discord’s audio and video end-to-end encryption, referred to as their DAVE protocol, in a blog post.

To support the implementation of E2EE, Discord has also made user interface changes to view when voice and video calls are end-to-end encrypted and to help call members use Verification Codes to perform out-of-band verifications of members in E2EE calls.