Open-source chat platforms like Stoat and Element are gaining attention as alternatives to Discord following user backlash over age-verification policies and data privacy concerns. These self-hosted options offer enterprises a way to maintain control over communication data without the compliance risks of third-party identity verification.
Why enterprises are reconsidering Discord
Discord has become a go-to tool for online communities, but its recent changes have caused concern. In February 2026, Discord announced new teen safety features to comply with the United Kingdom's Online Safety Act and other laws requiring age verification to prevent children from accessing adult content. The "Teen Default Experience" introduces default settings for users 13 and older and an age verification system for users whose age Discord's inference model suspects may be underage. Under this system, users must provide a video selfie and identity documents to one of Discord's partners. Discord claims selfies never leave the device and partners do not keep copies of uploaded documents, but the invasive nature sparked swift backlash. Discord postponed the rollout to the second half of 2026 to adjust its approach. Adding to privacy concerns, one of Discord's third-party service providers was hacked in October 2025, potentially exposing up to 70,000 users' government IDs, according to the source.
What open-source alternatives offer
Hosting your own server eliminates the need for a mass age-verification system, as noted in the source. Open-source chat platforms provide complete control over data and avoid features locked behind subscriptions. For enterprises, this means reduced reliance on third-party vendors for identity management and potentially lower compliance burdens. However, security remains an issue with self-hosted solutions, and not all options replicate Discord's familiar interface.
Stoat: Discord-like experience with self-hosting
Stoat, formerly known as Revolt, is an open-source chat app that closely mimics Discord's appearance and functionality. According to its GitHub, it supports text, voice, and video calls, and began rolling out a screen-sharing feature earlier this year. The app also supports theming, custom emoji, and a roles-based moderation system. These features make it suitable for organizations that want a Discord-like experience on their own infrastructure.
Element: Matrix-based interoperability
Element is another open-source alternative that uses the Matrix protocol, an open standard for decentralized communication. Matrix-based apps are interoperable with one another, which can be valuable for enterprises needing to connect multiple teams or external partners. Element also gets close to Discord's look and feel, according to the source. Other Matrix-based clients like Fluxxer and Cinny also exist but may not match the user experience as closely.
Considerations for adoption
While open-source platforms offer control and privacy, they require more technical expertise to set up and maintain. For CTOs evaluating these alternatives, the trade-off between ease of use and data sovereignty is key. The absence of a central authority like Discord also means no dedicated moderation against spam or abuse, although self-hosted servers can implement their own rules. Enterprises must weigh these factors against the risks of third-party age verification and subscription costs associated with proprietary platforms.
Sources:
