The feature is described as an ‘experiment’ that’s taking place in Australia and the UK.
Discord, the popular communication platform used by millions worldwide, is testing a controversial new age verification system that requires some users to scan their face or submit official identification to access certain content. While currently being trialed only in the United Kingdom and Australia, this move represents a major shift in how platforms may be expected to handle age-restricted content moving forward.
Why Is Discord Doing This?
The new verification method comes in response to tightening regulations in both the UK and Australia, where lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at better protecting minors online.
- In the UK, the Online Safety Act mandates that platforms implement “robust” age-verification mechanisms to ensure minors cannot access pornography or other sensitive materials.
- In Australia, new rules require that users under 16 be barred from social media platforms altogether, pushing platforms to adopt more stringent age-screening methods.
To comply with these laws, Discord has introduced what it calls an “experimental” age verification process to limit access to explicit content and comply with regional child safety requirements.
Who Is Affected?
This age verification requirement only impacts users who have not previously confirmed their age on the platform. If you’ve already verified your age, you won’t need to go through the process again.
However, unverified users will be prompted to verify their age under two specific conditions:
- When they encounter nudity or sexually explicit material that has been flagged by Discord’s sensitive media filter.
- When they attempt to change their sensitive content filter settings, effectively trying to remove content blurring or blocking.
How the Verification Works
When triggered, an age verification window appears. Users will be asked to complete the verification using one of two methods:
- Face Scan: Discord will request access to the user’s device camera to capture a real-time facial scan. This scan is processed on-device, meaning the data isn’t uploaded or stored on any server.
- ID Submission: Users can scan a QR code using their phone, which will redirect them to upload a photo of a government-issued ID.
Discord emphasizes that this is a one-time process, and once completed, users will regain full access to the platform’s content based on their verified age.
Privacy and Data Handling Concerns
Naturally, this move raises questions about privacy, data security, and the accuracy of biometric analysis. Discord has made a concerted effort to address these concerns upfront:
- For Face Scans, Discord states that no biometric data is collected or stored, as the facial analysis occurs entirely on the user’s device using third-party technology.
- For ID uploads, the image of the ID is deleted immediately after verification. Discord has assured users that neither the company nor its vendors will retain any personal data collected through this process.
Despite these assurances, the move remains controversial, especially given the potential for false positives. Discord admits that users could be mistakenly flagged as underage based on how they appear in the facial scan. To counter this, the platform offers a retry option, a manual review process, and an appeals system for users who believe they were wrongly denied access.
What’s Next?
At this time, Discord’s age verification experiment is limited to the United Kingdom and Australia, with no confirmation yet on whether it will expand to other countries. However, as global pressure mounts on tech companies to better safeguard children online, similar initiatives may become more common across platforms.
We have reached out to Discord for clarification on whether this system could roll out to the United States, Canada, or EU nations in the future.
Final Thoughts
Discord’s decision to trial face and ID-based age verification represents a significant turning point for digital platforms navigating the fine line between user privacy and regulatory compliance. As governments push for stronger safeguards against harmful content, platforms like Discord are being forced to innovate — sometimes in ways that challenge user expectations around anonymity and data privacy.
Whether this experiment is seen as a proactive safety measure or an overstep into personal data collection will largely depend on how effectively Discord maintains transparency and protects user data throughout the process.
One thing’s certain: the way we access and interact with age-sensitive content online is changing — fast.
