Discord is set to implement a new age verification process for users seeking access to adult content or wanting to adjust default safety settings. The rollout will commence globally in early March.
Under the new policy, all users will initially be placed under restricted ‘teen-by-default’ protections. These safeguards will obscure sensitive material, restrict entry to age-restricted channels, and channel messages from unknown individuals to a separate inbox. To disable these filters or gain entry to adult-oriented spaces, users will need to verify their adult status.
Users will have two options for verification: they can opt for a facial age estimation scan using a video selfie on their device, or they can submit a government ID to a third-party vendor. Discord assures that any identification documents provided will be promptly deleted after verification.
These updates mirror previous implementations in the UK and Australia from the previous year. Alongside this announcement, Discord has introduced a ‘Teen Council,’ comprising users aged 13 to 17, to offer insights and recommendations to the company on upcoming product and policy decisions.
