Discord announced on Monday that it will implement global age verification starting next month, with changes beginning in early March. All users will receive a teen-appropriate experience by default unless they verify their age as adults. Both new and existing users must complete verification to access age-restricted content and modify certain settings.
Verified adults can unblur sensitive content, turn off that setting, access restricted channels, servers, and app commands. They can also adjust the default routing of messages from unknown users to a separate inbox, accept friend requests without warnings from potentially unknown users, and speak onstage in servers.
Users verify age through facial age estimation using video selfies or by submitting identification to Discord’s vendor partners. Video selfies process on the device and never leave it. Submitted IDs delete quickly from vendors, often immediately after confirmation. Discord plans to add more verification options. Some users may need multiple methods if additional data is required for age group assignment.
Last October, Discord reported that a breach at a third-party vendor for age-related appeals possibly exposed sensitive data, including government ID photos, for around 70,000 users. The incident underscored concerns from digital rights activists about age checks for online safety.
Discord introduced age checks last year for users in the U.K. and Australia. The global rollout expands these measures.
“Rolling out teen‑by‑default settings globally builds on Discord’s existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections while allowing verified adults flexibility,” said Savannah Badalich, head of product policy at Discord, in a press release. “We design our products with teen safety principles at the core and will continue working with safety experts, policymakers, and Discord users to support meaningful, long‑term wellbeing for teens on the platform.”
