The bottom line: Discord has enabled end-to-end encryption for all voice and video calls across its platform. The DAVE protocol now protects calls on desktop, mobile, web, and consoles by default without requiring any action from users. Text chats remain unencrypted for now.
Discord has completed the rollout of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all voice and video calls on its platform. The implementation was finalized in March and is now being activated by default for users without requiring an opt-in.
Discord has successfully completed the expansion of end-to-end encryption to all voice and video calls. The platform, which has approximately 690 million registered users and over 200 million monthly active users worldwide, now protects all calls by default without requiring opt-in.
The migration was implemented through the expansion of the open-source DAVE encryption protocol, which Discord developed together with Trail of Bits. The protocol now supports all platforms on which Discord runs: desktop, mobile, web browsers, PlayStation, Xbox, and Discord SDKs.
The encryption extends to direct messages, group direct messages, voice channels, and Go Live streams. Stage Channels are the only exception, as they are designed for large public broadcasts rather than private conversations.
DAVE uses WebRTC Encoded Transforms, Messaging Layer Security (MLS) for scalable group key exchanges, and ephemeral identity keys. This improves privacy while minimizing latency and disruptions during user transitions.
Discord highlights the technical challenges that had to be overcome in implementing the solution across all platforms. One example is a compatibility issue with Firefox, which Discord engineers solved jointly with Mozilla.
Regarding a possible expansion to text-based communication, Discord stated that there are currently no plans. The reason lies in significant technical hurdles, since Discord’s text features are fundamentally designed around unencrypted messages.