Discord to roll out global age-verification next month

In a blog post, Discord, the video game chat platform, announced the global rollout of an age-verification system starting next month that will automatically apply a teen-appropriate experience to all accounts unless the user is confirmed as an adult. Most adults won't be affected, as the platform will use an age-inference model based on account tenure and activity patterns. However, users who are not verified as adults will face restrictions, including bans from age-restricted servers, limitations on live stage channels, and automatic filtering of sensitive content and messages from unfamiliar users.

If the automated model cannot determine a user's age, individuals must verify their status through facial age estimation or by submitting a government ID to third-party partners. Discord states that facial estimation data remains on the user's device, while images of identity documents are typically deleted immediately after confirmation. The move is part of a broader international effort to enhance online child safety. Despite previous attempts by some users to circumvent similar checks during trials in the UK and Australia, the company has committed to addressing any technical vulnerabilities. However, Discord accepts that some adult users will still seek to avoid the process over privacy concerns about the use of biometric or identification data.

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