Discord Implements Global Age Verification Measures Amidst Child Safety Concerns
Discord, a popular online communication platform, announced the global rollout of age verification measures scheduled to commence next month. The new system will automatically default all user accounts to a "teen-appropriate" experience unless users can demonstrate adulthood. This initiative aims to enhance child safety and align with increasing international pressure for stronger online age checks.
Users who fail to verify their age will face limitations on platform access. These restrictions include the inability to access age-restricted servers and channels, participate in live "stage" channels, and view content flagged as graphic or sensitive by Discord's filters. Furthermore, users will receive warning prompts for friend requests from potentially unfamiliar individuals and direct messages from unknown contacts, which will be automatically filtered into a separate inbox. While direct messages and non-restricted servers will remain accessible, users will be blocked from viewing content within age-restricted areas until they complete the verification process, even if they previously had access. Discord states that these restricted servers will be "obfuscated" with a black screen until age verification is confirmed. New age-restricted servers will also be inaccessible to users who have not completed the verification process.
This move by Discord is part of a broader trend among online platforms responding to legal mandates and growing concerns about child safety. Discord had previously piloted age verification checks in the UK and Australia, though these measures were reportedly circumvented by some users. The company acknowledges the ongoing challenge of users attempting to bypass these checks and intends to continually refine its methods. Concerns exist that adult users may also resist verification due to privacy considerations, particularly regarding the use of government-issued identification.
To address these concerns, Discord offers two primary verification methods. Users can utilize facial age estimation, where artificial intelligence analyzes a video selfie to determine age. Discord assures that these selfies do not leave the user's device. If the age estimate is inaccurate, users can appeal or submit a photo of an identification document for verification by a third-party vendor. Discord states that these ID images are promptly deleted after confirmation. The platform has also switched to a new third-party vendor following a data breach in October that exposed user age verification data.
In addition to these methods, Discord is developing an age inference model that analyzes user data such as gaming preferences, platform activity, and behavioral signals to infer age. If the model has high confidence in a user's adulthood, they may be exempt from the traditional age verification processes. Discord anticipates that the majority of its user base will not experience a significant change in their platform experience. The primary impact of these measures will be on the accessibility of adult content deemed inappropriate for minors.
Discord acknowledges the potential for user attrition due to the new verification requirements and has factored this possibility into its planning. The company intends to explore strategies to retain users. The implementation of age verification represents a significant shift in Discord's approach to user safety, balancing the need to protect young users with the potential impact on adult users and platform accessibility.
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