[msm_]

But Discord must store the messages, to make searching possible. And I assume the model works based on the writing style, topics discussed, etc. What would you propose, automatically remove all messages after a few weeks? Even then Discord technically can process the messages and build the same model. So yeah, in this case the processing is the problem since I don't want Discord to know my gender and age (unless I explicitly tell it).

[shrimp_emoji]

> What would you propose, automatically remove all messages after a few weeks?

This but unironically.

If people or bots or the NSA want to keep records, let them scrape and cache 'em.

I actually think it should all be P2P, but that would kill the thin shell of a business model that exists.

[littlestymaar]

I would hate such a model, having persistent history is one of the killer feature of Discord vs, say, IRC.

[olyjohn]

I dunno, the search on Discord is trash. The one time I thought it would be useful to go back and find something, it was completely incapable.

[zubairshaik]

This is not my experience, I use the search heavily and find it an invaluable tool to prevent asking repetitive questions.

[mrngm]

At least under GDPR, collecting personal data is already considered processing. Processing is only allowed under specific conditions and purpose.

It would be perfectly fine if Discord stored messages from users (for brevity, assuming that's personal data), made it searchable and available as long as the user exists on the platform, provided that they specify this as the purpose of processing, and the user explicitly gave informed consent. Should Discord want to perform any other processing besides that designated purpose, they would (again) have to receive the user's explicit, informed consent. Otherwise, it's simply not allowed.

No need to remove messages in such a case. Of course, technically they could process that data for a different purpose than specified, but that's illegal and may eventually result in a fine that can be based on a percentage of total global revenue.

Not profit or loss, revenue. Then suddenly it becomes a really interesting business decision to do other than defined things with the data at hand.

(and something something purpose limitation, data minimization etc.)