Discord to Enforce Face Scans or ID Verification for Full Access Next Month
Discord has announced significant updates to its platform regarding age verification. Beginning next month, all users will have their accounts set to a “teen-appropriate” setting unless they verify their status as adults. This move aims to enhance user safety and comply with global legal requirements.
Impacts of Age Verification on User Experience
- Users not verified as adults will face limitations on their accounts.
- Access to age-restricted servers and channels will be denied.
- Users will encounter content filters for graphic or sensitive material.
- Direct messages (DMs) from unknown users will be filtered into a separate inbox.
Even in non-age-restricted environments, these users will still be hindered from sending messages or accessing certain content, pending successful age verification. Savannah Badalich, Discord’s global head of product policy, stated that these restrictions will obfuscate the restricted servers until the user completes the verification process.
Methods for Age Verification
Discord will offer two primary options for verifying age:
- Facial Age Estimation: Users can take a video selfie. This process is designed to remain device-local, ensuring privacy.
- ID Submission: Users can present government-issued identification to verify their age, with images deleted after confirmation.
If a user disputes the outcome of the facial estimation, they can appeal or present their ID instead. Discord has shifted to a different third-party vendor for these processes following a previous data breach involving age verification data.
Additional Age Assurance Features
Alongside these options, Discord is implementing an age inference model. This model will analyze user behavior and metadata to determine if someone is likely an adult. If the system confidently identifies a user as an adult, they may bypass direct verification processes.
Concerns and Future Planning
While the measures are intended for user safety, there is concern over potential backlash. Badalich anticipates that some users may leave the platform due to the new restrictions. Discord is actively considering strategies to retain users amid these changes.
This global rollout of age verification is part of a broader trend among online platforms aiming to enhance child safety and adhere to international regulations. As Discord adapts to these demands, the experience for many users may remain relatively unchanged.
