Popular gaming/messaging platform Discord has always been a safe haven not only for group communication but also for remote file sharing via the platform’s servers. However, that is now coming to an end as Discord will soon make download links disappear. Read more about this change below.
Disagreement to lose permanent download links
In a statement to BleepingComputer, Discord has confirmed that it will soon be fixing disappearing file links. This means that all links hosted on Discord servers do so disappear after 24 hours. So if you use the platform for storing persistent download links, you may need to find an alternative. There will be no impact whatsoever on people sharing the links within the Discord client and the links will be automatically refreshed.
Discord says this change is part of its mission prevent the spread of malware through its CDN (content delivery network) by attackers. This is a common practice on Discord and the platform is finally working to fix it. The goal is to create a safer and more private environment for users. If you’re worried about finding other options and losing your links, you have until the end of this year.
The statement reads: “Discord developers may see minimal impact and we are working closely with the community on the transition. These changes will roll out later this year and we will share more information with developers in the coming weeks.“
Discord adds: “To access the CDN link in the attachment after the link expires, your app must retrieve a new CDN URL. The API automatically returns valid, unexpired URLs when you access resources that contain a CDN URL for attachments, such as when retrieving a message.“
It is also revealed that there will be CDN links expiration timestamps and labels, which remains valid until its expiration date. These changes are being rolled out to Discord links, but proper deployment has not yet begun. Links shared outside of Discord servers will expire once the authentication enforcement changes are implemented. So, what are your thoughts on the new changes Discord will see soon? Are you disappointed? Let us know in the comments below.
