Secure End-to-End Encrypted Video and Audio Calls on Discord

Discord Rolls Out End-to-End Encryption for Voice and Video Calls

Discord, a popular messaging and VoIP platform, has taken a significant step in boosting user data security and privacy by introducing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for audio and video calls. The encryption, known as DAVE protocol, protects conversations across private channels, group chats, server-based voice channels, and real-time streaming. While messages remain non-encrypted, the E2EE feature adds an extra layer of protection to users’ private communications.

How Discord’s DAVE Protocol Works

In a blog post, Discord explained how the DAVE protocol functions: "Today, we’ll start migrating voice and video in DMs, Group DMs, voice channels, and Go Live streams to use E2EE. You will be able to confirm when calls are end-to-end encrypted and perform verification of other members in those calls." The protocol uses the WebRTC encoded transform API to encrypt audio/video communications, and Messaging Layer Security (MLS) for group key exchange.

Key Takeaways

• E2EE protects voice and video calls across private channels, group chats, server-based voice channels, and real-time streaming.
• Encryption is not applied to messages, which will continue to follow Discord’s content moderation approach.
• The DAVE protocol is designed to be compatible with additional safety features and supports the E2EE experience.
• Users need to update their desktop and mobile apps to the latest version to enjoy the new E2EE feature.
• All members participating in a call must support DAVE for the encryption to take effect.

E2EE and Discord’s Safety Approach

While audio and video calls will be end-to-end encrypted, messages on Discord will not. The provider emphasized that safety is intertwined with their product and policies: "Safety is intertwined with our product and policies. While audio and video will be end-to-end encrypted, messages on Discord will continue to follow our content moderation approach and are not end-to-end encrypted."

DAVE Protocol Review

The Discord team collaborated with cybersecurity firm Trail of Bits to develop and review the DAVE protocol. The provider has released the protocol whitepaper and libraries used to implement it, inviting anyone to review the code.

Conclusion

Discord’s introduction of end-to-end encryption for voice and video calls marks a significant step in prioritizing user data security and privacy. With the DAVE protocol, users can enjoy a higher level of protection for their private conversations, making it a vital feature for those who rely on the platform for secure communication.