3.2 KiB
Why I Quit Discord: A Personal Statement
Privacy Concerns
One of my main concerns has always been data protection and user anonymity. While Discord's terms of service claim to prioritize users' privacy, their actual policies have raised some red flags in my opinion. As a vocal advocate for online freedom and security, I couldn't shake the feeling that Discord wasn't doing enough to safeguard users' personal information.
This issue became even more pressing when considering the sheer volume of user data being collected by Discord. With millions of registered users worldwide, it's staggering to think about the amount of sensitive information that's being stored on their servers. The truth is, I'm not convinced that Discord takes sufficient measures to protect this information from prying eyes.
Third-Party Clients and Modifications: A Threat to User Autonomy
Another significant factor in my decision was Discord's restrictive approach to third-party clients and modifications. As someone who values user autonomy and the freedom to customize their online experience, I found it disappointing that Discord wouldn't allow for more flexibility in this regard.
Discord's stance on this issue has been consistent, but in my opinion, it flies in the face of their supposed commitment to giving users control over their own experiences. The inability to use third-party clients or modify the Discord app to suit one's needs seems arbitrary and restrictive.
The Tencent Factor: A Concern for Government Surveillance
Finally, let's address a rather contentious issue – the investment made by Tencent, a Chinese technology conglomerate, in Discord. While I understand that business partnerships are a natural part of any company's growth strategy, this particular move has left me wondering about the potential implications.
With the involvement of Tencent comes the very real possibility of increased scrutiny from both Chinese and American government agencies. As we know, governments on both sides have been increasingly interested in monitoring online activity and tracking user behavior. Given this context, I couldn't help but feel uneasy about the prospect of our data being accessed by entities with less-than-ideal motivations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while I appreciate the features and community that Discord has to offer, my concerns regarding privacy, third-party clients, and government involvement have led me to seek alternative platforms for online communication. It's not a decision I've taken lightly, but one that I feel necessary to protect my own digital freedom.
I hope that others will consider these issues as well and join me in exploring other options for online community-building. Ultimately, our online experiences should be guided by principles of user autonomy, data protection, and transparency – values that Discord has yet to fully uphold.
However, a friendly reminder: you can add me on Session. If you knew me on Discord you should know how to find me. If not, shoot me an email to find out my Session ID via: "discord.sucks(at)sllord(full stop)info". Replace the "at" and "full stop" with a "@" and a "." respectively.