You will now have to verify your age using facial recognition technology to use all Discord features.
Protecting children's online safety is a key objective for technology companies, and governments are also adopting this principle to combat abuse on digital platforms and ensure a safe environment. Some apps have begun implementing security measures, such as Discord, which recently announced the global rollout of enhanced features for teenagers.
With this update, the platform reinforces its commitment to providing a safer and more inclusive experience for users aged 13 and over. This update offers them a personalized experience, including updated communication settings, restricted access to certain sections, and a privacy-preserving content filter. But when will these new features be available? Discord announced in a statement that starting in early March, new and existing users will be required to complete an age verification process to change certain settings or access sensitive content.
According to Discord, the age verification mechanism is designed to respect user freedom and privacy. Users can choose to use facial recognition for age estimation or another method of identification. Furthermore, the platform will implement an age inference model in the future to determine if an account belongs to an adult, eliminating the need for users to constantly verify their age.
Therefore, after completing one of the two chosen methods, users will receive a confirmation message via direct message from the official Discord account, informing them of their age group.
On the other hand, with regard to the default security settings, new settings will be allocated to Discord users starting in March, supporting age-appropriate experiences while maintaining privacy as a top priority.
Discord acknowledges in its statement that "the virtual experience for teens is supported by a broader safety ecosystem that includes tools and resources. All of these efforts reflect Discord's commitment to creating age-appropriate and privacy-focused experiences that empower teens to make informed decisions, build meaningful relationships, and develop digital wellbeing skills."