Discord has rolled out a new custom end-to-end encryption (E2EE) protocol, known as DAVE, designed to secure voice and video communications across its platform.
Developed with assistance from cybersecurity experts at Trail of Bits, the DAVE protocol aims to protect private calls from unauthorized access. The system has been audited to ensure robust security standards.
The E2EE functionality covers various use cases on Discord, including one-on-one calls, group chats, server-based voice channels, and real-time streaming via the Go Live feature. Users will be able to confirm when calls are encrypted and verify the identities of participants during those calls.
DAVE leverages the WebRTC encoded transform API for encrypting media frames, with the Messaging Layer Security (MLS) protocol facilitating secure group key exchanges. For added transparency, Discord has made the DAVE protocol open-source, allowing security researchers to review its code.
The introduction of this encryption is seen as a significant step in bolstering the privacy of Discord’s 200 million-strong user base.
The migration to E2EE is gradually being rolled out across desktop, mobile, and eventually web clients, ensuring that all users are covered by this new security measure.
