Discord’s Age Verification Policy: What You Need to Know
In early February 2026, Discord announced a significant policy change aimed at enhancing user safety, particularly for younger audiences. Starting in March 2026, the platform will implement a teen-by-default setting for all users, both new and existing. This means that unless users verify they are adults, they will experience restrictions designed to create a safer environment for teenagers.
Understanding the Teen-by-Default Setting
Under this new policy, all Discord accounts will initially be placed in a mode that limits access to certain features and content deemed inappropriate for younger users. These restrictions include:
– Content Filters: Sensitive images and videos will remain blurred.
– Age-Gated Spaces: Access to age-restricted channels, servers, and app commands will be denied.
– Message Request Inbox: Direct messages from unknown users will be routed to a separate inbox by default.
– Friend Request Alerts: Users will receive warnings for friend requests from individuals they may not know.
– Stage Restrictions: Only verified adults may speak on stage in servers.
Age Verification Process
To lift these restrictions, users must verify their age through one of the following methods:
1. Facial Recognition Video Selfie: Users can submit a video selfie, which will be analyzed by AI to estimate their age. Discord assures that these selfies do not leave the user’s device.
2. Government-Issued ID: Users can upload a copy of their official identification document. Discord states that these documents are deleted promptly after verification.
For most adult users, Discord plans to utilize an age inference model that analyzes account information, such as account tenure, device data, and activity patterns, to estimate age. This approach aims to minimize the need for manual verification.
User Concerns and Privacy Issues
The announcement has sparked significant backlash from the Discord community. Many users are concerned about privacy and data security, especially in light of a third-party data breach in October 2025 that compromised 70,000 users’ ID photos. Despite Discord’s assurances that biometric data and identification documents are handled securely and deleted quickly, skepticism remains.
Longtime users feel that the mandatory age verification is invasive and could disrupt the community-driven nature of the platform. Some are exploring alternative platforms like TeamSpeak, Stoat, Matrix, and Signal, although none offer the same level of integrated community features as Discord.
Discord’s Response and Clarifications
In response to the backlash, Discord issued a follow-up statement clarifying that the vast majority of users will not need to undergo explicit age verification. The company emphasized that most users do not access age-restricted content and that their age inference model will allow many adults to access appropriate features without completing an explicit age check.
However, the specifics of the age inference model remain unclear, leading to ongoing concerns about its accuracy and potential privacy implications.
Global Context and Legal Compliance
Discord’s policy change aligns with global trends toward stricter online age restrictions. Legislations like the UK’s Online Safety Act and emerging laws in the United States are pushing digital platforms to implement more robust age verification processes to protect younger users.
While these measures aim to create safer online environments, they also raise questions about user privacy, data security, and the balance between safety and freedom of expression.
Looking Ahead
As Discord prepares to roll out these changes in March 2026, the platform faces the challenge of balancing user safety with privacy concerns. The effectiveness of the age inference model and the security of the verification processes will be critical in determining user trust and retention.
Users are encouraged to stay informed about these changes and consider their comfort levels with the verification methods. Exploring alternative platforms may be an option for those who prefer different approaches to user safety and privacy.
