Discord is set to introduce a global age verification system starting next month, as announced by the company on Monday. Users will automatically enter a "teen-appropriate experience" unless they verify their adult status. This verification will be essential for modifying specific settings and accessing content that is restricted by age.
To access sensitive content or disable certain features, users must confirm their age. Only verified adults will have the ability to engage with age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands. Moreover, messages from unfamiliar users will be directed to a separate inbox by default, and only those confirmed as adults can alter this configuration.
Users will receive alerts for friend requests from unknown individuals, and speaking on stage in servers will be limited to verified adults.
To verify their age, users can either undergo a facial estimation process or submit an ID to Discord's partner vendors. The platform plans to introduce additional verification methods in the future. Discord also notes that some users might be required to use multiple verification methods if further information is needed to determine their age group.
The facial estimation process involves taking video selfies, which Discord assures will remain on the user's device. Additionally, any IDs submitted to vendor partners are promptly deleted, typically immediately after age confirmation.
"Implementing teen-by-default settings globally enhances Discord's existing safety framework, providing robust protections for teens while granting verified adults greater flexibility," stated Savannah Badalich, head of product policy at Discord, in a press release. "We prioritize teen safety in our product design and will continue collaborating with safety experts, policymakers, and Discord users to foster meaningful, long-term well-being for teens on our platform."
This global rollout follows Discord's previous initiative to establish age checks for users in the U.K. and Australia last year.
The announcement aligns with similar actions taken by other online platforms, underscoring a growing international commitment to enhancing child safety. Recently, Roblox mandated facial verification for chat access, while YouTube introduced age-estimation technology in the U.S. to better identify teen users and offer a more suitable experience.
Discord's age verification changes will commence in early March, requiring both new and existing users to confirm their age to access age-restricted content.