Discord Defaults to Teen Mode for All Users

Discord announced significant changes to its user account settings, switching all users to a teen-focused experience by default. This update, which started rolling out in early March, will apply to both new and existing users, regardless of their actual age. Users will face communication restrictions, content filters, and access limitations to age-restricted areas unless they can prove they are adults.

Key Features of the New Teen Mode

The shift to a teen mode aims to enhance safety for younger users. Savannah Badalich, Discord’s global head of product policy, emphasized the importance of safeguarding teen users in the company’s announcement.

Verification Processes for Adults

• Adults will need to verify their age to regain access to certain features.
• Verification methods include submitting government IDs or uploading a video selfie.
• Discord’s new background age-inference model could determine adult status without requiring full verification.

However, this approach raises privacy concerns for users. In October, a third-party service used by Discord suffered a data breach, exposing images of 70,000 government ID scans linked to age verification. Discord has not clarified how they handle and store ID data submitted through vendors, though they assure that “identity documents submitted to our vendor partners are deleted quickly.”

Privacy Considerations

While video selfies may provide a safer verification option since they do not leave the user’s device, Discord hinted that multiple identification forms might be necessary for more accurate age classification.

This rollout of a teen mode by default illustrates Discord’s ongoing commitment to creating a safer environment for younger users. The company aims to balance safety measures with flexibility for verified adults, improving user experience while addressing privacy concerns.