Staying safe on Discord

What is Discord

Discord is a social chat platform popular among gamers. It allows users to create profiles, interact via messaging, voice, or video chat, and share images, files, and links. The platform also features the AI image generator Midjourney for creating new images from prompts.

A paid subscription on Discord offers benefits such as larger file uploads, more customisation options, and higher-quality voice chat.

Discord hosts servers on various topics, allowing users to join or create servers. Servers are divided into channels that can be marked NSFW (Not Safe For Work), which require users to confirm they are over 18 before accessing the content.

Privacy on Discord

Discord glossary: Discord uses unique terminology. To familiarise yourself with the platform, start by reading Discord’s glossary(https://discord.com/safety/360044149331-what-is-discord#:~:text=Server%3A%20Servers%20are%20the%20spaces,invite%20their%20friends%20to%20it.).

There are several features available to control your privacy and the content you view:

​​Sensitive media settings on Discord

​​Blur Option: This setting allows you to blur or block sensitive content in DMs (Direct Messages), GDMs (Group Direct Messages), and servers (online groups of users). Note that by default, sensitive media is blurred for teens.

DM Spam Filter: Automatically sends spam to a separate inbox. By default, this filter operates for non-friends. To configure: navigate to Privacy and Safety, then Sensitive Media, and select “Filter all direct messages” or “Do not filter direct messages” to turn this feature off.

​​​Direct messages (DM) settings

To block DMs from non-friends, disable "Allow direct messages from server members" in your settings. This change can be applied across all servers or adjusted per server via the server's dropdown Privacy Settings.

​​Friend request settings:

Manage who can send you friend requests in your User Settings under Friend Requests:

• Everyone:  Anyone can send a request if they know your Discord Tag or share a server with you.
• ​​Friends of Friends: Only users with at least one mutual friend can send you a request.
• ​​Server Members: Users sharing a server with you can send a request.

Deselect all options to block friend requests altogether. You can still send friend requests to others.

For detailed information on how to adjust the settings above, visit Discord’s Safety Centre(https://discord.com/safety/360043857751-Four-steps-to-a-super-safe-account).

Security on Discord

Choose a secure password

Use a strong, unique password with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, and special characters. Consider using a password manager. Discord requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long; some regions may have additional requirements.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to an authentication app. Enable MFA in User Settings. Choose between an authentication app or SMS Authentication. How to set up MFA.(https://support.discord.com/hc/en-us/articles/219576828-Setting-up-Multi-Factor-Authentication)

Safety features on Discord

Block other users

If you do not want someone to engage with you, you can block them. Blocking will remove them from your friends list and prevent them from sending DMs. You will still see your message history with the blocked user, but their new posts in shared servers will be hidden unless you choose to view them.

To block a user:

• On desktop: Right-click the user's @Username to access the menu, then select Block.
• On mobile: Tap the user's @Username to open their profile. Tap the three dots in the upper right corner, then select Block.

Report a message to Discord

 If you encounter content that may violate Discord's Terms of Service(https://discord.com/terms)  or  Community Guidelines(https://discord.com/guidelines), report it.

Report a user profile

 User profiles that breach the guidelines can also be reported.

Visit Discord’s article on ‘Reporting Abusive Behaviour to Discord(https://discord.com/safety/360044103651-reporting-abusive-behavior-to-discord)’ to learn how to report.

Discord advice for parents

Discord offers a Discord Parent Hub(https://discord.com/safety-parents) where parents can learn about the platform and the available safety features for teens.

If you're experiencing online abuse, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.

Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.

Report online (https://report.netsafe.org.nz/hc/en-au/requests/new)Email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])Text 'Netsafe' to 4282 (sms:4282?body=Netsafe)Live chat support Call 0508 638 723 8am-8pm weekdays, 9am-5pm weekends (tel:0508638723)New Zealanders overseas can call +64 9 666 0840 (tel:+6496660840)