Discord introduces new safety features and enhancements, focusing on warnings over bans

Discord is launching a new warning system to improve moderation and ensure the safety of its teen users. Instead of permanent bans, the system will educate users about rule breaches and limit their access to certain features. Serious violations will still lead to permanent bans, while less severe offenses will result in one-year temporary bans. The chat platform will also keep users updated by limiting features for rule breakers and sending direct messages about warnings and actions taken. An 'account standing' section will provide details about the violations on an account.

The company's approach focuses on educating users rather than a "three strikes and you're out" policy. A teen safety assist feature, including proactive filters and alerts, will be automatically activated to safeguard young users. Discord is also implementing a sensitive content filter to blur explicit content in direct messages and servers. This feature uses AI to scan image attachments for explicit or other harmful content, addressing privacy issues.

Aside from the new warning system, Discord is also launching several new feautures, like a brand new power-efficient dark theme, 'Midnight', introduced for mobile devices, particularly beneficial for AMOLED screens. The mobile app's search function is also being improved with tappable search filters and an enhanced notifications tab with auto-clear features. A 'Remix' feature will allow users to create memes from images and share them on Discord. An in-app store offering avatar decorations and profile effects will be launched, with Nitro members getting discounts. Premium app subscriptions will now be available in the UK and Europe. Discord is also looking into allowing users to use apps in a server without admin approval and exploring ways to make apps usable in more places within the main app.

There are still several new features that you probably want to know more about, for which we invite you to visit the official release notes here.