In a progressive move towards improving platform moderation and user safety, Discord has unveiled its novel warning system and a teen safety assist feature. These additions are part of a series of features set to be launched soon, which will also include an in-app shop for members, an optimized Midnight dark theme for mobile, and more user-friendly ways to introduce apps.
Discord’s warning system overhaul is geared towards enhanced transparency, educating users on violations rather than implementing outright permanent bans. Savannah Badalich, Discord’s senior director of policy, elaborated on this and highlighted the platform’s intent to provide users with more leeway to comprehend and rectify their mistakes. As part of this approach, many violators will face one-year temporary bans, except for those committing extreme violations.
The essence of this shift in moderation strategy is education and constructive engagement. Soon, rule violators will be receiving direct messages explaining their infractions and consequent restrictions. For instance, a user who uploads an inappropriate image may temporarily lose their ability to post images. Badalich confidently states that Discord’s system is perhaps the most nuanced in the industry.
To underscore the platform’s commitment to transparency, an account standing section, which is similar to Microsoft’s Xbox strike system will provide insights into user violations. Unlike many contemporary platforms, Discord is avoiding a strict “three strikes” rule, opting instead for a more educational approach. Badalich emphasizes this by pointing out the platform’s belief in change, especially among younger users.
Concurrently, Discord is introducing a teen safety assist feature to protect younger users better. In the future, a default-enabled sensitive content filter will blur explicit content in direct messages and servers. This move is raising inevitable concerns about privacy, given that image attachments will be scanned for explicit material. However, Discord contends this action doesn’t infringe upon user privacy since it employs AI models for content identification, rather than human intervention. John Redgrave, Discord’s vice president of trust and safety, considers this a balance between privacy and user safety.
Discord’s evolution in safety protocols has roots in its acquisition of Sentropy, an AI-based company co-founded by the company, Redgrave, which specializes in detecting online harassment and abuse. The current plans involve leveraging these AI models for functions beyond mere content blurring. An ambitious goal in the pipeline is the development of a grooming model designed to identify and counter sexual exploitation on the platform.
The teen safety assist feature will also roll out safety alerts for young users. When teens receive a new direct message, they might also be presented with a safety alert equipped with user-blocking capabilities and safety guidelines.
Moreover, the platform is not stopping at safety and moderation enhancements. Peter Sellis, Discord’s SVP of product, shed light on aesthetic and functional upgrades such as a darker mobile theme that conserves battery life on AMOLED devices. The upcoming Remix feature promises to delight meme enthusiasts, allowing the users to remix images into memes within the app. For those keen on personalizing their online presence, Discord’s in-app store will soon be universally available, offering avatar decorations and profile effects.
Further extending its reach, Discord will expand premium app subscriptions to the United Kingdom and Europe. As part of an ongoing experiment, the company aims to make apps more accessible within its main application, potentially even bypassing admin authorization for app addition in servers.
This direction towards a more compassionate yet firm moderation strategy is a significant departure from the company and its traditionally opaque systems that have often left users in the dark regarding bans or restrictions. Implementing a clear and educational warning system helps Discord create an environment where users can better understand and adhere to community guidelines.
The underlining vision behind these changes is to promote a safer, more inclusive, and user-friendly environment. As platforms like Discord continue to play an integral role in online communities and communication, it’s reassuring to witness a committed move towards user-centric improvements.
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