# Discord Unveils End-to-End Encryption for Audio and Video Calls
In a critical step towards improving user privacy, Discord has revealed the deployment of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for its audio and video calls. This functionality is now accessible to users who upgrade to the most recent versions of Discord’s mobile and desktop applications. The launch of E2EE represents a significant advancement in maintaining the confidentiality and security of conversations, ensuring that only participants have access to the content of their exchanges.
## What is E2EE: The DAVE Protocol
Discord’s implementation of E2EE is founded on a protocol called DAVE, which signifies Discord Audio & Video Encryption. This protocol has been subjected to thorough independent evaluations by Trail of Bits, a reputable cybersecurity company. Based on Discord’s blog announcement, the E2EE feature will be available for voice and video calls in direct messages, group direct messages, voice channels, and during Go Live streams.
### Core Characteristics of DAVE
– **Dynamic Key Creation**: Fresh encryption keys are created every time a participant enters or exits a call. This guarantees that only current participants can engage in the ongoing dialogue.
– **Participant Authentication**: Users will have the capability to confirm when calls are secured with end-to-end encryption and verify the identities of fellow members in the call.
– **Media Key Isolation**: The media encryption keys are distinct for each call and tailored to the group of participants present at any moment. Consequently, if someone exits a call, they cannot decrypt any media shared prior to their exit.
Throughout E2EE audio and video calls, no outside entity, including Discord itself, can access the secrets of the conversations. The encryption keys remain unknown to anyone external to the call, delivering an extra level of security.
## E2EE Limitations
Although the launch of E2EE is a major breakthrough for Discord, there are important limitations to its application:
1. **Text Messages**: Discord has made a conscious policy choice not to extend E2EE to text messages sent in direct messages. This decision is based on the company’s dedication to content moderation and safety. As noted by Discord, “Safety is intertwined with our product and policies.”
2. **Web-Based Calls**: There are technical constraints concerning E2EE for web-based calls in certain browsers. Discord employs WebRTC for real-time audio and video communication, but the functionality of the WebRTC API across various browsers can present complications. Discord’s DAVE protocol utilizes a codec-aware send-side transform to ensure compatibility with WebRTC’s management of supported codecs.
Discord has expressed its intention to extend E2EE support to all clients by the end of next year, further enhancing the privacy features it offers to users.
## Final Thoughts
The introduction of end-to-end encryption for audio and video calls on Discord is a notable improvement to user privacy and security. Through the implementation of the DAVE protocol, Discord guarantees that conversations stay confidential and are only accessible to the involved participants. While there are exceptions related to text messages and web-based calls, the overall movement towards stronger privacy safeguards represents a favorable development for users in search of secure communication platforms.
For users eager to utilize these new privacy features, updating to the latest version of Discord is crucial. As the platform continues to grow, it remains dedicated to balancing user safety with the necessity for secure communication.
