Page 47 - Cyber Defense eMagazine October 2023

Innovative Tools for Safer Online Communities

Joyn, a Denver-based tech company, has been at the forefront of developing tools that empower
moderators and enhance the safety of Discord to make the internet a safer space for users, especially
children. These tools not only streamline the moderation process but also provide moderators with the
means to address harmful content swiftly and effectively. The creators of Joyn recognized the critical
need for innovative tools while operating nearly a dozen Discord servers with a combined membership
of 620,000 users. These servers, which encompassed both gaming and support communities,
highlighted the critical importance of moderation and quality tools in ensuring a positive online
experience.

Content moderators face myriad challenges when striving to safeguard online forums from hate speech
and predatory behavior. The immense volume of content, coupled with the subtlety of some harmful
interactions, poses a formidable challenge. One of the primary challenges faced by Discord server
moderators is maintaining consistency and activity throughout the day, given that many moderators are
volunteers. To address this issue, Joyn, a third-party developer has created innovative solutions and
resources such as the Support Bot to answer frequently asked questions, along with integrating powerful
moderation features into ZeroTwo to automate moderation tasks. These tools not only reduced the
burden on server staff but also contributed to a safer and more controlled online environment for users
of all ages. Developing effective strategies for identifying and addressing such content is an ongoing
endeavor that requires technological innovation and regulatory cooperation.

Fighting Scams and Protecting Vulnerable Groups Online

While the safety of children online is undoubtedly a top priority, online safety tools must extend their
protective measures beyond children to safeguard various vulnerable groups within the diverse
landscape of all online platforms. Discord currently has over 150 million active users while hosting a wide
variety of

user groups, and there are always individuals with malicious intent who aim to harm and upset people.
While children remain a prominent focus, recent trends have unveiled new challenges, such as the surge
in phishing scams targeting users of all ages. Misinformation is a common thread that runs through these
threats, highlighting the fact that people of any age may lack the knowledge to discern scams and protect
themselves adequately.

Specific instances involve elaborate schemes to steal Discord accounts, often through the impersonation
of official bots or by exploiting QR codes, promising "free Discord Nitro" subscriptions. These scams
result in users losing access to their accounts, which are subsequently used to perpetuate further scams,
capitalizing on the trust within their friends' lists. Therefore, while protecting children online remains a top
priority with dedicated safety tools, the need for comprehensive online safety education and awareness
applies to all user groups, emphasizing the importance of tailored protective measures for different
demographics. Discord has implemented several safety tools and resources to educate its growing user
base and create a safer online environment. To learn more about the different types of scams circulating
on the platform, community members can visit Discord’s Safety Library, under the Account Security tab,
to help users from falling victim to scams and ensure all accounts are safe and secure.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – October 2023 Edition 47
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