The platform will now employ temporary file links that will automatically expire after 24 hours for user-generated content shared outside of Discord, as reported by BleepingComputer. This change is expected to take effect by the end of the year.
While the primary aim of this shift is to enhance security and reduce the spread of malware, it will also have the side effect of limiting Discord’s use as an unofficial file hosting service. Many users currently upload images and other content to their own servers and then share those links elsewhere.
With the move away from permanent file links, this practice will become less convenient, as the links will become inactive after a day. It’s important to note that this change will not impact content posted and shared within Discord itself.
Discord’s decision to switch to temporary file links serves the purpose of helping their safety team restrict access to flagged content and, more broadly, decrease the distribution of malware through their content delivery network (CDN).
A Discord spokesperson conveyed to BleepingComputer, “If users are using Discord to host files, we’d recommend they find a more suitable service.”
