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Is Discord safe to use?

Safe with care

Mostly safe for adults, but messages are not end-to-end encrypted and a 2025 vendor breach exposed users' ID photos.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Discord Inc.
Based in
San Francisco, USA
Encryption
Text messages are encrypted in transit but readable by Discord. Voice and video calls use end-to-end encryption (DAVE protocol).
Data it collects
Account details, messages, server activity, IP address and, if you appeal an age check, ID images.
Minimum age
13+ (higher in some countries)

What keeps you safe

  • Strong server moderation tools and automatic spam filters.
  • Two-factor authentication and login alerts.
  • Teen safety settings filter explicit images by default.

Risks to know about

  • In October 2025 a third-party support vendor was breached; Discord said about 70,000 government ID photos from age appeals were exposed.
  • Text messages can be read by Discord and handed to authorities.
  • Large public servers expose users to strangers and explicit content.

Scams to watch for on Discord

  • "Free Nitro" links that steal your account token.
  • "Can you test my game?" files that install password-stealing malware.
  • Fake "I accidentally reported you" messages pushing you to a fake support account.
  • QR code logins sent by strangers.

Is Discord legit?

Discord is a legitimate, widely used platform. Most problems come from other users and fake links, not the app itself.

Is it safe for kids?

Turn on Family Center so a parent can see activity, set DMs from server members to off, and keep sensitive-content filters on.

How to use Discord safely

  1. Turn on two-factor authentication.

  2. Never download files or run games sent by strangers.

  3. Turn off DMs from server members.

  4. Never scan a QR code someone sends you.

Where Discord is restricted

Does a VPN make Discord safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Discord collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Discord safe to use?

Mostly safe for adults, but messages are not end-to-end encrypted and a 2025 vendor breach exposed users' ID photos.

Is Discord legit?

Discord is a legitimate, widely used platform. Most problems come from other users and fake links, not the app itself.

Is Discord encrypted?

Text messages are encrypted in transit but readable by Discord. Voice and video calls use end-to-end encryption (DAVE protocol).

What data does Discord collect?

Account details, messages, server activity, IP address and, if you appeal an age check, ID images.

Is Discord safe for kids?

Turn on Family Center so a parent can see activity, set DMs from server members to off, and keep sensitive-content filters on.

Does a VPN make Discord safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Discord. It does not stop Discord itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources