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Privacy FAQ

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Milkshift edited this page Aug 9, 2023 · 16 revisions

Last time this page was updated on version: 0.7.0

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Why should I care about privacy?

How does GoofCord enhance user privacy?

  1. Blocking Tracking: GoofCord prevents network requests to unwanted tracking URLs, including Google's tracking for YouTube embeds.
  2. User Agent Masking: GoofCord changes your user agent to a standard Chrome profile, preventing Discord from detecting a custom client.
  3. Containerizing Discord: GoofCord operates entirely within its standalone environment, ensuring Discord remains isolated within the app.

That's all we can do from the client?

  • Yes, sadly. In terms of tracking (analytics) Discord is relatively light compared to other companies, it is easy to block. The primary privacy concern arises from the lack of encryption, which we can do (almost) nothing about.

Can encryption be addressed in any way?

  • Yes, to a certain extent. An option exists in the form of the Vencord plugin called "InvisibleChat", allowing message encryption using a designated key. However, this requires all conversation participants to install the plugin and possess the encryption key. At present, using Signal might prove more user-friendly.

What steps can I take personally to improve privacy and anonymity?

  1. Use an encrypted DNS provider that blocks trackers and supports DoH like NextDNS or Quad9. More about it.
  2. Refrain from installing official Discord client on your mobile device. Alternatively, opt for a well-maintained custom mobile client that blocks trackers. You can find custom mobile clients in this list.
  3. Limit the data you provide to Discord. Avoid phone verification, email verification, sharing your birthday, disclosing credit card details, etc.
  4. Don't use Discord for personal, private messages. Discord can see everything you write.
  5. Don't connect your accounts to Discord through "Connections" or specify them in "About me".
  6. For those aiming to maintain full anonymity, using Discord through TOR from the start is recommended. However, remember that using your real IP address or sharing personal details such as phone numbers, email addresses, credit card numbers, or location in messages nullifies TOR's effectiveness. Respectable VPNs like Mullvad are also an option. More about VPNs

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