Discord Introduces Global Age Verification to Enhance User Safety
In a significant move to bolster user safety, Discord has announced the global rollout of age verification starting next month. This initiative aims to provide a teen-appropriate experience by default, requiring users to verify their age to access certain settings and age-restricted content.
Key Features of the Age Verification System:
– Sensitive Content Management: Users must confirm they are adults to unblur sensitive content or disable this setting.
– Access to Age-Restricted Areas: Only verified adults can enter age-restricted channels, servers, and utilize specific app commands.
– Message Filtering: Messages from unknown users are directed to a separate inbox by default; only adults can modify this setting.
– Friend Request Alerts: Users will receive warnings for friend requests from unfamiliar individuals.
– Server Participation: Speaking on stage within servers is restricted to verified adults.
Verification Process:
To verify age, users can opt for:
1. Facial Age Estimation: A video selfie is analyzed to estimate age. Discord assures that these videos remain on the user’s device and are not stored elsewhere.
2. ID Submission: Users can submit identification documents to Discord’s partnered vendors. These IDs are promptly deleted after age confirmation, often immediately.
In some cases, multiple verification methods may be required to accurately determine a user’s age group.
Commitment to Safety:
Savannah Badalich, Discord’s Head of Product Policy, emphasized the company’s dedication to user safety:
Rolling out teen-by-default settings globally builds on Discord’s existing safety architecture, giving teens strong protections while allowing verified adults flexibility. We design our products with teen safety principles at the core and will continue working with safety experts, policymakers, and Discord users to support meaningful, long-term wellbeing for teens on the platform.
Context and Industry Trends:
This global initiative follows Discord’s previous implementation of age verification in the U.K. and Australia. The move aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance child safety online. For instance, Roblox recently mandated facial verification for chat access, and YouTube introduced age-estimation technology to identify teen users and provide age-appropriate experiences.
Implementation Timeline:
The age verification changes are set to commence in early March. Both new and existing users will need to verify their age to access age-restricted content, ensuring a safer and more tailored user experience across the platform.
