Discord's AutoMod Tool Can Help Block Harmful Messages and Spams

Sophie Webster, Tech Times 16 June 2022, 02:06 pm

Discord has struggled with the inappropriate behavior of its users for years. The platform received 235,000 reports in 2020 alone, with 65% spam and 13% harassment issues.

Now, the instant messaging social media platform has come up with a solution: the AutoMod tool.

Discord Launches AutoMod

On June 16, Discord rolled out a tool called AutoMod to its admins and moderators so they can detect and block any harmful messages before they are posted on the platform.

According to The Verge, the tool can be found under the Server Settings menu. Once accessed, admins and moderators can create a list of words and phrases they want the system to look for and block. They can add up to three custom filter lists depending on the community they're moderating.

There will also be repercussions for those who use the banned words or phrases. Admins and moderators will have the option to get notified if someone writes something offensive.

Also Read; Discord Rolls Out New Policy That Tackles Health Misinformation

How Discord Handles Harassment

Discord has been in hot water ever since it was discovered that the platform had played a role in the Buffalo shooting incident wherein the suspect used the server as a personal diary.

Despite typing in disturbing keywords, the platform was not able to detect nor access the suspect's server, according to TechCrunch.

Now, the platform is looking for ways to prevent the same thing from happening again. In an interview with Kotaku, Discord explained how it handles the threatening behavior of its users, the harassment on the site, and other issues like doxxing and bullying.

Discord would release a Transparency Report that shows the online behavior of its users. Since it currently has 250 million users, it takes time before the report gets submitted.

Once the statistics are out, the company's trust and safety team will investigate the report, look for evidence and gather as much information as possible about the case.

Initially, the team focuses on reported messages, but they sometimes expand to servers, depending on the severity of the report.

If there is any proven violation of the platform's rules and guidelines, the team takes action. They either remove the message in question or shut down the server entirely.

Other Features and Premium Membership

Aside from AutoMod, Discord also launched two additional features for admins and moderators. The first feature is a hub with articles written by the community builders.

Discord describes the hub as a place where admins and moderators can learn how to properly engage, build and grow their servers by reading the articles posted there, according to Gizmodo.

The other feature is a dedicated admin community server where moderators and admins can chat and learn from one another. The platform also plans to run educational events through the space.

Also, Discord announced it is expanding its premium membership which was launched in 2021. It will allow the community creators and owners to put their servers behind a paid subscription.

Since more influencers are using the platform to talk to their fans, and cryptocurrency enthusiasts are using the community to connect to fellow crypto investors, Discord has decided to help the creators monetize their respective servers.