Discord Privacy & Security Guide: 2025 Technical Deep Dive

My Privacy Blog

12 Feb 2025 — 5 min read

With over 200 million active users, Discord remains a hub for gaming, professional communities, and social interaction. However, its decentralized server model demands robust privacy and security configurations. This guide explores Discord’s 2025 tools, offering actionable strategies to protect servers, personal data, and community interactions.

1. Server Privacy

Server Visibility Settings

Discord servers default to public, but critical controls exist for sensitive communities:

Public: Searchable via Discord’s discovery tab; indexed by search engines.
Private: Invite-only with hidden metadata (member count, activity).

Switching to Private:

Server Settings > Overview > Server Visibility > Private.
Generate an invite link under Invites > New Link (set expiration/usage limits).

Verification Levels

Prevent spam/raids with tiered access:

Level	Requirements
None	No verification
Low	Email verification
Medium	5+ minutes registered on Discord
High	10+ minutes in the server
Highest	Phone-verified account

Adjust: Navigate to Server Settings > Moderation > Verification Level.

Explicit Content Filters

Discord’s AI scans media in real-time:

Enable: Server Settings > Safety Setup > Scan Media Content.
- Keep Me Safe: Blocks explicit images/videos in DMs.
- My Friends Are Nice: Scans only non-friends.
Age-Restricted Channels:
- Label 18+ channels under Channel Settings > Age-Restricted.
- Requires age confirmation via Trust Stamp (AI + ID scan).

2. Personal Privacy

User Settings & Status Visibility

Profile Privacy:
- Hide email/phone under User Settings > Privacy & Safety > Data Privacy.
- Disable Activity Status to mask games/apps you’re using.
Offline Mode:
- Toggle invisible status via bottom-left profile icon.

Friend Request Controls

Limit unsolicited contact:

User Settings > Privacy & Safety > Friend Requests.
Choose:
- Everyone: Open to all (not recommended).
- Friends of Friends: Requires mutual connections.
- Server Members: Only from shared servers.

DM Settings & Filters

Message Scanning:
- Keep Me Safe: Auto-blocks explicit content (default for under-18 accounts).
- Do Not Scan: Disables filters (18+ only).
Ignore Feature:
- Mute users without blocking: Right-click profile > Ignore.
- Silences notifications; messages accessible via Message Requests.

3. Role Management

Permission Systems

Discord uses hierarchical permissions:

Server-Wide: Apply to all channels (e.g., @everyone).
Channel-Specific: Override server rules (e.g., VIP-only access).

Key Permissions:

Administrator: Grants full control (use sparingly).
Manage Roles: Create/edit subordinate roles.
Kick/Ban Members: Assign to moderators.

Channel Privacy & Hierarchy

Category Permissions:
1. Right-click category > Edit Category > Permissions.
2. Assign roles (e.g., “Moderators” get Manage Messages).
Role Hierarchy:
- Drag roles vertically in Server Settings > Roles to set priority.
- Higher roles override lower ones (e.g., Admins > Moderators).

4. Safety Features

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Enable:
1. User Settings > Security > Enable 2FA.
2. Use Authy/Google Authenticator (avoid SMS).
Server-Wide 2FA:
- Force mods/admins to enable 2FA under Server Settings > Security.

IP Location Lock & VPN Use

IP Monitoring:
- Discord alerts logins from unrecognized locations via email.
VPN Recommendation:
- Use NordVPN or ProtonVPN to mask IPs from potential DDoS attacks.

Reporting & Moderation Tools

In-App Reporting:
- Right-click message > Report > Violation Type.
- Escalate CSAM via safety@discord.com (partners with NCMEC).
Automated Moderation:
- Bots like MEE6 auto-delete banned keywords/links.

Best Practices for 2025

Default to Private: Use invite-only servers for closed communities.
Role Audits: Review permissions quarterly; remove unused roles.
Data Hygiene: Download/delete old messages via Settings > Data Request.
Teen Safety: Enable Family Center to monitor friend lists/activity.
Avoid Admin Abuse: Reserve Administrator rights for owners only.

By mastering these tools, users can balance Discord’s social flexibility with enterprise-grade security. For server owners, combining Role Hierarchy with Explicit Filters ensures compliance with global regulations like GDPR and COPPA.

Final Note: Discord’s 2025 updates prioritize user control, but vigilance remains key. Regularly audit settings and educate members on phishing/scam tactics prevalent in gaming and crypto communities.