Discord has introduced a groundbreaking privacy feature called “Ignore.” This announcement coincides with Safer Internet Day 2025, celebrated globally on February 11, which emphasizes creating a safer and more responsible digital environment.
The inclusion of Ignore demonstrates Discord’s recognition of varied user demands in managing online interactions.
Blocking has often been viewed as aggressive or escalatory, particularly among teen users.
The company addresses these concerns by providing users with a subtle way to manage interactions, prioritizing personal peace without confrontation.
What Is the Ignore Feature?
The Ignore feature is designed to allow users to hide messages, direct messages (DMs), server notifications, and activity from specific individuals without alerting them.
Unlike the existing “Block” option, which completely severs communication and visibly signals the action to the blocked user, Ignore operates discreetly.
Ignored users can still send messages and view profiles, but their communications remain hidden unless the user chooses to view them.
This feature is particularly beneficial for teenagers and young users who may find blocking too direct or intimidating.
By enabling users to take space without escalating conflicts, Discord aims to foster a safer and more comfortable platform for all.
How It Works
First, navigate to the user’s profile and click the three-dot menu. Then, select “Ignore” from the dropdown options.
After activating this feature, messages from the ignored user will be hidden in both direct messages and servers, and notifications about their activity will be muted.
You can manage ignored accounts through the “Content & Social” tab in your User Settings.
Importantly, Discord will warn you if an ignored user joins a voice or video chat before you enter, giving you the chance to avoid potentially uncomfortable interactions.
A Collaborative Approach to Safety: ROOST
In tandem with this feature, Discord has co-founded a new non-profit organization called ROOST (Robust Open Online Safety Tools).
Partnering with industry leaders like OpenAI, Google, and Roblox, ROOST aims to provide open-source safety tools for detecting and reporting harmful content such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
These tools will be accessible to organizations of all sizes, empowering smaller platforms to implement robust safety measures without significant resource constraints. Discord’s Chief Legal Officer, Clint Smith, will serve as ROOST’s Board Chair.
The initiative builds on Discord’s ongoing efforts in digital trust and safety, including collaborations with the Tech Coalition’s Lantern initiative and the Trust & Safety Professional Association.
Discord’s Ignore feature represents a significant step forward in creating a more empathetic digital environment.
Allowing users to disengage discreetly reduces potential stress while preserving personal boundaries. Coupled with its collaboration on ROOST and other safety initiatives, Discord is reinforcing its role as a leader in fostering safer online spaces for all.
PCI DSS 4.0 & Supply Chain Attack Prevention – Free Webinar