Couldn’t find this in the docs.
AI-generated summary
The discussion revolves around whether deleted replies and topics are permanently removed from the database or retained. janbolmeson initiated the inquiry, and Lilly responded that Discourse uses soft deletions by default, but permanent removal is possible, referencing the Introducing Permanently Delete Post Functionality topic on Meta Discourse.
Discourse does soft deletions by default, but permanent removal from database is also possible.