Discord, a voice chat platform popular among teenagers for gaming, is at the center of controversy due to its suspected use in bomb threat incidents both domestically and internationally.
Discord, a voice chat platform founded in the United States in 2015, has become a mainstay for young gamers, facilitating real-time conversation during online play. Recently, its use has come under scrutiny after incidents in which it was used for posting bomb threats against major corporations like Kakao and Samsung in Korea. A high school student, known as 'G', was arrested following multiple threats made through the platform, showcasing how user anonymity and information can lead to criminal activities. Discussions about the platform's regulation and accountability are gaining traction amidst these controversies.
The platform has grown rapidly, especially due to its low latency and stable connection, allowing users from different locations to communicate efficiently. By October of the previous year, Discord had approximately 6.44 million monthly active users in South Korea, making it the second most-used messaging app after KakaoTalk. Globally, it boasts over 200 million active users. A representative from the gaming industry noted that with the rise of global gaming, establishing an official Discord channel for games has become almost essential for reaching a broader audience.
Similar concerns have emerged worldwide regarding Discord's potential misuse. In the U.S., a shooter confessed to his crime through the platform prior to his arrest, and Russia intends to restrict access to prevent the use of Discord for terrorist activities and drug trafficking. The ongoing discussions about Discord's role and safety measures highlight the challenges faced by platforms that thrive on user engagement while potentially being exploited for criminal acts.
